Reimagining Giving to Center Relationships
What does it look like to give in a way that emphasizes inclusive and meaningful relationships rather than traditional, transactional approaches?
This month, we share resources that underscore the importance of knowledge sharing, trust-based philanthropy, and repatriation as ways to promote a culture of giving and mutual respect.
November Coffee Break Picks
STEPHANIE’S PICK
Removing Paywalls
“Nina Simon is a powerhouse thinker in the museum world (and well beyond). Over the past 15 years, she has written two seminal books that fundamentally changed how museums engage with their audiences. Each book promotes a shift from traditional, passive models of engagement to more inclusive, collaborative approaches that foster deeper connections between institutions and their audiences. Now the full text of both books is available online—for free.”
EMILY’S PICK
Why Isn’t No-Strings Funding More Common?
“I was drawn in by this article’s tagline: ‘Unrestricted grants produce powerful impacts, but we won’t see more of them until we address hidden barriers.’ I have seen examples of the power of unrestricted giving in my own community (also sometimes referred to as ‘trust-based philanthropy’) and often wonder why it is not more common in the museum world. Museum funding is often tied to particular programs or outcomes, but this article discusses how that approach can sometimes work against funders’ ultimate goals. The author unpacks why ‘no-strings funding’ activates unacknowledged power dynamics and unexamined money myths, including the idea that if you just give people money, they won’t spend it responsibly.”
LINA’S PICK
Repatriation Through a Human Lens
“This dialogue between a student and a professor at Oberlin College about the repatriation of a Native Hawaiian kupuna (ancestor) skull to the island touches on the emotional aspects of repatriation and what it means for origin communities. In particular, the student, Isabel, expresses her feelings on the process, with this quote resonating with me: ‘No wonder I did not feel like I belonged at Oberlin, because white kids do not have to worry about their ancestors’ bones being held at their place of residence and education.’ In an environment where museums are beginning the process of repatriation, this dialogue between Isabel and her professor shows the human side of these efforts.”
New on the Learning Hub
What’s New At Kera?
We're excited to start a new audience research project for the National Museum of Natural History! Stay tuned for more details on how we’ll be supporting this incredible museum.International Conference of The Observatory of Audiences in Catalonia
On November 6th, Cathy presented at the 9th International Conference of The Observatory of Audiences in Catalonia. Her talk, titled "Formative Evaluation for Exhibition Development," explored how formative evaluation supports the process of crafting audience-centered exhibition texts. The event was hosted at the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, with Cathy presenting remotely.
Moment of Wonder
“Over Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday weekend, we took a multi-generational family trip to Watkins Glen, NY, Niagara Falls, NY, and Ontario. I fondly remember traveling to these places as a child with my grandparents, aunt, mom, and dad. I was happy for my child to have that experience with her grandparents too. These places welcome tourists from all over the world to experience their ‘natural wonders.’ As an adult, I still find these places wondrous, but also feel a sense of sadness and guilt as I reflect on the unnaturalness of these natural places.”
— Amanda
