Center for Museum Studies, Smithsonian Institution, is now accepting applications for: INTRODUCTION to INTERPRETATION in MUSEUMS October 30 - November 3, 1995 Application Deadline - September 15, 1995 Museums contain a wealth of knowledge, yet, with few exceptions, their potential for greater educational involvement with the public remains a relatively untapped resource. Research shows that the active involvement of people in the learning process leads to experiences that generate meaning for them. The use of performing arts formats and techniques in museums opens up a fertile learning environment for audiences of all ages and cultures. Storytelling, dramatizations, historical reenactments, and similar venues offer opportunities for museum staff to enliven their programming and for visitors to engage in creative thought and increase their knowledge. Workshop Objectives Participants can expect to learn: - about the key stages in program development, the issues that can arise, and ways of assessing progress at each stage of the creative process - how to create a story using objects - how to combine performing arts with credible research methodologies that teach as well as entertain - methods for incorporating the arts into exhibition programming - how to find resources, including directors, performers, and script writers - how to manage the flow of work and a budget - how to teach effective communication skills to interpreters Workshop Content The Workshop Series curriculum is linked directly to issues faced by people working in small, emerging, culturally specific, and rural museums. Introduction to Interpretation in Museums aims to aid staff in understanding the role performing arts activities can play in a museum and the tasks involved in producing various types of programs. Content will focus on storytelling, living history, dramatizations, historical reenactments, and other performing arts venues. Areas to be covered include designing and producing a program; audience participation and interaction; working with performers, dramatists, other staff and volunteers; research and development of storylines; and costuming, props and reproductions. Who should attend The workshop is designed for people responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, delegating, and conducting interpretative programs in museums and cultural institutions. This includes staff, volunteers, and board members, in paid or unpaid positions, who work full- or part-time. Selection criteria Up to 16 participants will be selected on a competitive basis to attend the workshop. Preference is given to applicants - who have a demonstrated commitment to the museum field, - whose primary responsibilities are directly related to the workshop topic, and - whose institution has a budget of $250,00 or less annually, and employs five -or less people full-time. Faculty The teaching team is lead by Rex Ellis, Ed.D., director, Center for Museum Studies, Smithsonian Institution, and educator and storyteller; Kimberly Kelly, museum educator, National Museum of American History; and Esther Washington, museum educator, National Postal Museum. Course instructors have demonstrated expertise in their subject areas and hands-on experience working in situations similar to those that participants face. Workshop methods and materials Instructional methods include a mix of lectures, demonstrations, tours, group discussions, and hands-on skills training and exercises. On-site visits to museums and cultural facilities are integral components of the instructional process as well. These visits serve as case studies for examining organizational responses to real museum situations. The workshop will use a "problem-solving" approach. Participants are expected to take an active part in their learning process by analyzing and sharing their own experiences, contributing to and leading group exercises, and developing and critiquing action plans developed during the course. Each participant receives a resource notebook specially designed for the workshop. It contains selected reference materials, model forms, resource lists, and bibliographic citations. Cost The workshop fee is $275.00. It covers all tuition, instructional materials, one group meal and transportation to instructional sites that are not accessible via the city's subway/bus system or within walking distance of the Smithsonian Mall. Participants are responsible for their own lodging, food, transportation, telephone and fax charges, and other personal expenses. Scholarships are not available from the Smithsonian. We encourage applicants to contact the Institute of Museum Services (IMS), about their Technical Assistance Grants (TAG). TAG provides funds to help museum staff defray the costs of attending training workshop. The IMS telephone number is 202-606-8539; fax number is 202-606-8591. Funding opportunities may also be available through your state arts or humanities council. PLEASE NOTE The Smithsonian Institution/Center for Museum Studies (SI/CMS) and the Institute of Museum Services (IMS) are completely separate organizations. An application to IMS for a TAG grant does not function as an application to a SI/CMS workshop, nor does an award of a TAG grant by IMS confer acceptance to a SI/CMS program. Payment Schedule Do NOT send any money with the application form. Full payment of $275.00 is due in the CMS office within 10 days of notification of acceptance to the workshop. In the event of a need to cancel participation, $125.00 of the fee will be refunded if notice is received ten (10) days prior to the first day of the workshop. Application procedure 1. Complete the attached "Introduction to Interpretation in Museums" Application Form. 2. Attach a one-page resume outlining your educational and employment history, professional affiliations, and achievements. 3. Secure a letter of support from your director, board official, or the person to whom you report and include it with the Application Form and Resume. 4. Mail an original and three (3) copies of all of the application materials (application form, resume, and letter of support) to: Workshop Series Center for Museum Studies MRC 427 Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C. 20560 Facsimile-transmitted applications will be accepted for this workshop ONLY (Be sure to send four copies). 5. To be eligible for consideration, applications must be received in the Center for Museum Studies Office by September 15, 1995. Notification of admission decisions will be made by September 29, 1995. For further information, contact the Workshop Series, Center for Museum Studies telephone 202-357-3101, fax 202-357-3346, email [log in to unmask] Application Form Introduction to Interpretation in Museums October 30 - November 3, 1995 Application deadline (in the CMS office) September 15, 1995 Name Name of museum Title Mailing address Daytime telephone Fax number e-mail address Tell us about your institution (All information will be held in confidence.) Do not send brochures or other printed material about the museum. 1. What is the museum's main purpose? 2. What is the museum's best feature? 3. What is the area of greatest need at your museum? 4. What kind(s) of collections does the museum hold? 5. How many staff work at the museum? _______________ How many are paid? __________ 6. Do you use volunteers in the museum ? yes _____no______ How many?___________ What tasks do volunteers perform? What is the title of the person who is responsible for training and directing the volunteers? 7. Is your museum part of a cooperative network of related organizations or other network? yes_____ no_____ 8. What is your museum's total budget? $__________________ 9. What is the budget of the education / public programs department? $________________________ 10. Does the museum offer a regularly scheduled program of educational activities? yes ___ no___ What kinds of programs are offered? 11. Does the museum offer theater or drama type programs? yes ___ no ___ what type(s)? for how many years have they been offered? ________________ 12. What is the drama program's best feature? What is the drama program's greatest need? 13. How many visitors per year does your museum serve? _______ Approximately what percentage are in school groups? _________ adult groups? _________ individual walk-ins? ____________ Tell us about yourself: 1. What got you involved in museum interpretation? 2. What are your direct responsibilities? 3. Are you new to this assignment? yes ___ no ___ 4. What is the most challenging aspect to you in your job? 5. Do you have supervisory responsibilities? yes___ no___ 6. Do you have responsibilities for budgeting? yes ___ no__ 7. Do you write grant(s) seeking funds? yes___ no___ 8. What do you most want to accomplish by attending this workshop? 9. What experience do you have with designing and managing theater / drama programs? 10. How will the information / experiences gained through attending this workshop be shared with others in your network or circle? 11. Other information you would like to share that will help us design the workshop? Thank you for your interest in the CMS Introduction to Interpretation in Museums workshop. Signature________________________________________Date____________ Mail or fax an original and three (3) copies of a completed application package (application form, resume, and letter of support) to: Workshop Series Center for Museum Studies MRC 427 Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC 20560 Fax : 202-357-3346 Application deadline (in CMS office): September 15, 1995 Facsimile-transmitted applications will be accepted for this workshop ONLY (Be sure to send four copies). Bruce C. Craig Internet: [log in to unmask] Center for Museum Studies Smithsonian Institution A&I 2235-MRC427 Washington, DC 20560 (202) 357-3148 FAX:(202) 357-3346