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I think the wildest part about being a #museumworker during #COVID19 is that the ugly face of superiority and deemed safety over Education and Outreach Department is making a large wave in conversations about layoffs and furloughs.
And, of course, those departments are overwhelmingly young, POC, underpaid, and trying to make a difference in their communities. Something that a lot of—not all—those departments calling for these cuts lack. Isnt that why we’ve had the rise of museum education since the 90s?
True story: on LinkedIn I saw a retired curator who had been in the field since the 80s call education department unnecessary and needing to be cut or gotten rid of completely. No talk about what education does—just cut it period. And, before you ask, yes he was.
I wonder how many educators and engager are learning just how expendable their work is to their colleagues. Especially the ones who think a recycled yearly lecture is good enough to call programming and that people should be coming to their institution not the other way around.
Who will speak up for our communities in the exhibit development process if not those who actually build a relationship with the communities? In my experience, if not a community-centered curator, it’s education and outreach staff.
My prediction: the mass exodus from the #museum field will be by the same people who’ve tried to make our detractors give a damn. It will be the people I enjoy working with and seeing at conferences, admire their work, read about and share with friends. They are going to leave.
And honestly I don’t blame them. Why put your all into these orgs that think your disposable and say it in action during the biggest challenge we’ve faced. I’ve been thinking more and more about if this is the space for us any more.
I’m not sure if I see it anymore. And that makes me sad. Sad for my friends and colleagues who have done and are doing amazing things for #museums . & sad for the communities making their place at the table who are going to have a harder time making sure they’re seen and heard.
Educators & Engagers: take this time to think about you & what you want. Productivity is relative. Do you, reconnect with you. & your value is not limited to what these orgs say, cause they’re plenty of places that will be looking for your experience and be willing to pay for it.
