The Association of African American Museums (AAAM) will build capacity among African American Museums and emerging African American museum professionals through three interconnected programs designed to: 1) provide in-depth training and coaching to staff at African American museums on creating successful applications to national funding sources; 2) assist in partially relieving chronic understaffing by offering internships that also provide professional experiences to emerging professionals; and 3) provide 15 scholarships to AAAM’s Annual Conference that will allow emerging professionals an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the field in general, learn best practices in elements of museum work, and build a network of other museum professionals.
Overview:
The Association of African American Museums (AAAM) has made significant strides in advancing its initiatives to support capacity building, professional development, and engagement within African American museums. The following is a summary of the key accomplishments and progress to date:
1. Hire a Project Assistant to Support Grants Training, Coaching, and Intern Placement:
We successfully hired a Project Assistant to coordinate logistics for our grants training and coaching activities and assist in the recruitment and placement of interns with African American museums. Camille Vincent, Project Assistant, has been instrumental in streamlining communication, scheduling, and ensuring that all logistical needs are met for the success of these initiatives.
2. Contract with a Conference Planner:
AAAM has contracted with an experienced conference planner to manage logistics for the AAAM Annual Conference. Hutchinson Design Group, developed a comprehensive plan that includes venue coordination, scheduling, and vendor management, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees. This partnership has significantly enhanced our ability to focus on content and engagement, while the logistical elements are expertly managed.
3. Establish Monthly Meetings with IMLS:
We have established a regular monthly meeting schedule with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to review project status and progress. These meetings have fostered open communication, allowed us to address any challenges promptly, and kept all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the project’s lifecycle.
4. Plan and Present a Training Program for Museums:
AAAM has successfully planned and is in the process of presenting a training program for up to 48 museums. This program aims to improve the skills necessary for submitting applications to national funding sources. The initial and preliminary sessions have been well-received, with participants reporting increased confidence and a better understanding of the grant application process. We anticipate that this training will result in higher-quality applications from participating museums. Our goal is to continue to have an increase of African American-focused museums apply for the African American History and Culture Grant within IMLS annually.
5. Establish Six Paid Internships for Emerging Professionals:
We have established six paid internships for emerging professionals, with one intern placed at the AAAM headquarters and five others placed at individual African American museums on a virtual status. The internship opportunity has been widely promoted, resulting in a robust pool of applicants from our museums and interns. After a thorough review process, participants have been selected and matched with appropriate museums. The feedback from both interns and host museums has been overwhelmingly positive, with interns actively contributing to various projects and initiatives.
6. Offer 15 Scholarships for Emerging Professionals:
AAAM has awarded 15 scholarships to emerging professionals, enabling them to attend the AAAM 2023 Annual Conference. These scholarships have provided invaluable networking opportunities, exposure to best practices, and professional development experiences for recipients, who have expressed gratitude for the support and the opportunity to engage with leaders in the field.
7. Conduct Internal Evaluation Activities and Publish a Report on Project Outcomes:
AAAM has initiated internal evaluation activities to assess the effectiveness of each component of the project. We are currently compiling data and feedback, and a comprehensive report on project outcomes will be published. This report will highlight key successes and identify components that may serve as capacity-building models for other associations, sharing our learnings and best practices with a broader audience. Once the report is fully complete, we will share with IMLS.
Should there be any questions or additional information needed, please do not hesitate to contact me at ed@blackmuseums.org or 202-828-3398