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".