Michele Y. Smith serves as MoPOP's CEO, a mission-focused leader with extensive experience in nonprofit business development.

Do you remember the first time you walked through a museum's doors and were entranced? You might have been captivated by the items on display, or you might have been amazed at the hard work and care it took to assemble such a collection. Either way, you realized other people share your passions and that someone cared enough to study, collect and document them.

That's the power museums hold: creating and curating experiences that bring moments of reflection, joy and education. But today, art institutions face a lot of competition for audiences. Museums must evolve to stay relevant, especially as they are being asked for accountability and transparency in how they plan to move forward with diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programs.

The Need For Relevance In Modern Curation

With the rise of digital media and changing demographics, the museum industry is experiencing unprecedented change. The traditional model of static exhibitions and passive viewing no longer works. I believe audiences who grew up with the internet and immersive digital media crave experiences that are interactive, engaging and reflective of their own lives.

This is why museum leaders must prioritize relevance in modern curation practices. As cultural institution leaders, we must find ways to spark curiosity, ignite conversations and inspire, just like your first memorable museum experience. But it has to be done with all people in mind.

Inclusivity And Community Engagement

Inclusivity should be at the heart of museums' curatorial philosophy. By featuring diverse perspectives, you can ensure everyone in today's audience feels represented and engaged. To do this at the pop culture museum I lead, we actively involve the community in the curatorial process. We aim to bring guests' stories, lived experiences and fandoms into conversation. We take our curation beyond standard exhibitions and into various programs, such as concerts, film screenings, workshops and lectures. Each aims to cater to diverse interests and age groups so that everyone can feel the wonder only museums can capture.

To do something similar in your museum:

Consider the experience, not only the exhibition.

Focus on the overall experience of the museum. Exhibitions might be huge parts of how you operate, but how they fit into the experience of your platform holistically is key. Attendees should be able to enjoy your curation no matter what exhibition is on display. Strive to create narratives around the museum visit; in doing so, the experience promotes deeper engagement with a wider range of fans.

For example, my museum has an exhibit that allows visitors to experiment with different instruments and recording equipment, unleashing their connections to music. We also have a science fiction and fantasy exhibit that transports visitors to fantastical worlds through immersive environments and interactive displays.

By focusing on the experience rather than just the exhibition, museums can create a space where visitors can connect with the subject matter on a personal level. They leave visitors not just with new knowledge but also with lasting memories. Aim for every visitor to walk away with a deeper appreciation for the topic at hand.

Prioritize DEIA, and be transparent about progress.

Reaching contemporary audiences means connecting with a much broader audience. Your museum's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility should show in everything you do.

To integrate DEIA into your museum, I recommend taking a few practical steps:

1. Assess current practices to establish a baseline. Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your current practices. Understand where your museum stands in terms of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. This could involve collecting and analyzing visitor data, staff demographics and feedback from community stakeholders to identify areas of improvement.

2. Improve training and education. Implement ongoing training for all staff at every level on DEIA principles. This should not only cover the basics of cultural competence but also address unconscious bias, inclusive communication and accessibility standards. Education is crucial for fostering an inclusive culture within the institution.

3. Engage and collaborate with your community. Actively involve diverse community groups in the planning and decision-making processes. This can be facilitated through advisory panels, community curators or partnership programs. Authentic engagement helps ensure your museum's offerings are relevant and inclusive of the broad community it serves.

4. Conduct accessibility audits. Regularly review and update your facilities, services and programs to ensure they are accessible to people with various disabilities. This includes physical accessibility to buildings and exhibitions, as well as the accessibility of digital content and educational materials.

5. Identify KPIs and prioritize transparency. Set clear key performance indicators in your DEIA policies and community programs so that you can measure your success. Transparency is equally important. For example, we publish our DEIA data because doing so allows us to hold ourselves accountable and allows the community to gauge our progress for themselves.

Connecting With The Contemporary Audience

Although museums face competition for audience attention, they can thrive today. It takes embracing innovation, inclusivity and community engagement. I believe our museum demonstrates that curating experiences that resonate with contemporary audiences is a possible path for the future of other museums.

By focusing on the overall visitor experience over exhibitions, museums can become powerful spaces for connection, learning and inspiration for future generations. Let's create new experiences that truly reflect the diversity and dynamism of our world. If we do, a whole new audience can feel the awe, inspiration and connection that makes museums so special.

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