I would suggest that, in the United States at least, a visitor program is something that originates within the museum, is directed toward museum visitors, and relates to the educational mission of the museum, while an event is something that originates outside of the museum, is directed toward an audience selected by the orgnators, frequently involves a rental fee, and has a content that is not necessarily related to the museum's educational mission. Visitor programs are usually develped and administered by the museum's education division; events are administered by the museum's special events office, which is frequently part of its development office. An example of a visitor program would be a gallery talk; an example of an event would be a party involving rental of museum space by an outside organization. Of course, this is all a matter of semantics, the lines between the two categories can blur, and one man's visitor program may become another man's event. I hope that these observations are helpful, or will at least provoke a helpful discussion.
 
Lonn Taylor
Fort Davis, Texas  
----- Original Message -----
From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Nick Short
To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 3:28 PM
Subject: Definition of terms

There is some discussion at my museum at present regarding the distinction between a visitor programme and an event. Does anyone out there have a useful definition of a ‘visitor programme’ that would help us move on?

Than you in advance.

 

Nick Short

Visitor Programmes Manager

MOTAT

 

P.O. Box 44-114

Pt Chevalier, Auckland

 

Direct Dial: (09) 815-5806

Mobile: 021 581 003

Fax: (09) 846-9310

 

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