Hello and Welcome! Strategies for Social Inclusion

This session will look at ways your cultural organization can welcome and address the needs of audiences in your community that have not been historically served by mainstream museums. How do you become central to diverse communities instead of tangential to them? This session will focus on the strategic thinking necessary to identify and serve audiences new to your organization— and how you can bring this approach to the things you do best — exhibits, events, technology, digital media, interpretation, outreach, and communications and branding. Carol Bebelle, Cofounder and Executive Director of the Ashé Cultural Arts Center, New Orleans, will discuss social justice issues as it relates to her work at the Center, which creates programs and works emphasizing the contributions of people of African descent. Tasia Endo, Seattle Art Museum, will focus on SAM’s efforts to imbed a strategy of inclusion in developing interpretive technology. From audio guides featuring multiple, diverse voices that broadens audience engagement to free content on visitors’ own devices or supplied kiosks on-site, SAM considers inclusion in both the development of and access to interpretive materials. Leilani Lewis will discuss her work at the Northwest African American Museum where she created meaningful museum programs that sold out or reached capacity such as #Ferguson Pecha Kucha, organized as an immediate response to the tragic murder of Michael Brown. Lauren Semet, 4Culture’s Digital Media Engagement Strategist, will discuss how they are updating their brand and communication strategies to welcome new audiences and be a more accessible funder. Speakers Session Leader : Christina DePaolo, Director of Communications, 4Culture Co-Presenter : Lauren Semet, Digital Engagement Strategist, 4Culture Co-Presenter : Tasia Endo, Museum Educator for Interpretive Technology, Seattle Art Museum Co-Presenter : Leilani Lewis, Assistant Director of Diversity, Communications and Outreach, University of Washington Speaker : Carol Bebelle, Executive Director, Ashé Cultural Arts Center MCN 2016 Presenting Sponsor: Piction New Orleans, LA