Hello Christi,

I apologize that my response was received as patronizing and 'holier
than thou'.  I assure you that was not my intention; I hoped my message
would be viewed as honest and straightforward.

The question asked is very broad.  So, I posed questions that would draw
out the details.  If the question is intended for museums in the a
particular locale, someone in that particular locale might be able to
provide specific answers about fundraising, media and networking
opportunities.

If the question is intended for art museums, odds are the fundraising,
media and networking opportunities will be different than for history,
science, and other varieties of museums.  While Getty or NEA grants are
suitable for art museums, a science museum will likely apply for a grant
sponsored by the National Science Foundation, a pharmaceutical company,
or hospital/HMO.

As for media:  A midwestern art museum is unlikely to advertise in Art
News, The New York Times, or The Washington Post. . . though, for a
major 'blockbuster', one never knows.  Likewise, a museum in New York
City is not likely to advertise in the Des Moines Register, Lincoln
Journal-Star, or Omaha World-Herald.  A small children's museum will
likely limit itself to local media, whereas The Children's Museum in
Boston likely advertises nationally.

As for auditing a course at a local college or university: What was bad
about that suggestion?  Nobody graduates from university knowing
everything.  There's nothing inappropriate about a professional auditing
a college course on a subject with which they have less experience or
knowledge.  There's nothing shameful about attending a career-specific
conference, seminar or symposium.

I hope I've managed to avoid putting my foot in a pile of doo-doo again?

Sincerely,
Jay Heuman
Visitor & Volunteer Services Coordinator
Joslyn Art Museum



  -----Original Message-----
  From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
  On Behalf Of Merri Pemberton
  Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 11:04 am
  To: [log in to unmask]
  Subject: Re: Question on Publicity for Cultural institutions


  Okay, forget I even ask the question. I now see that my purpose for
offering myself and services to museums to gain more community support
is even more grave than originally thought. I don't expect a quick
answer. Any help is appreciated.  My purpose is to help our cultural
establishments gain more community support and persuade the community
that there is a very good reason to support us with their dollars,
especially in this horrible economy, whether it is through improving
education programs, outreach, or savvy publicity.  Even though the
museums are doing more for community, they still have a long way to go.
My thought is that there has to be a serious want upon the community for
our museums that they see it more as a need/want than just a want.
Disneyland is an extreme example, but no one needs Disneyland, but so
many people save up money to go. It is every child's dream to go. The
want to go to Disneyland and being a a part of the experience is so
great, that this want turns into a want/need. Museums will have to find
a way to get a little bit of that strategy, not to that extreme, but
with the same idea in mind. Smart public relations, marketing, and
advertising can help. Actually, I am already a part of that through my
monthly column in a local arts and culture magazine.

  If I can get an response to an innocent question that sounds more
patronizing than helpful, (sounds like you are trying to get a quick
answer), or (one should audit some classes), then the average community
member has a hard road to hold regarding museums actually being there
for them to learn, enjoy, and support, instead of sounding 'holier than
thou".