#mcn2014

Still in the "Change Agents" session, and I'm wondering if our (here by "our" I mean, "change-focused, probably technically/digitally-minded museum people") perspective on museums is fundamentally in conflict with that of (many) museum directors and boards. I always work from the assumption that while I might disagree on the tactics around change, I am usually in agreement with my colleagues that change is actually valuable. I just wonder whether directors/museum boards define "progress" the same way that we do. To me, progress in a museum implies a museum working towards greater agility, adaptability, etc., but I feel like a lot of museum directors would not define progress that way.

I agree, to a point. But if we want to really be responsive organizations, organizations that can adapt and change as needed in a timely way, we have to make sure that our decision-making processes (particularly around so-called digital efforts) actually take into account the expertise that's in the room. Not to throw class trash, but a decision-making process that over-privileges certain voices over others, no matter what the subject matter, is not one that is fundamentally sustainable. If the situation becomes one of "when I disagree, that's the start of the conversation, but when you disagree, that's a decision," it has the cumulative effect of discouraging innovation.

Have you ever gotten tangled in a web of disorganized video and image files? What are the best practices for organizing and storing images, audio and video? What is the difference between interpretive content and collections content? What constitutes a work of art and a backup work of art when discussing file types? Anna Chiaretta-Lavatelli and Emily Lytle-Painter, co-chairs of MCN's Media Production SIG, will explore issues around digital file storage and organization in cultural organizations with the follow speakers: Heidi Quicksilver, The Jewish Museum Crystal Sanchez, Smithsonian Institution Patrick Heilman, DIA Art Foundation This is an informal “radio show” style chat with short “presentations” and Q&A.

Please share with me other items you would want to see addressed at an Introduction to Video Production Workshop!