Aaron De Groft, director of the Orlando Museum of Art, with one of the 25 works from the Thad Mumford storage locker said to be a Basquiat, “Untitled (Industry Insider).” Credit…Melanie Metz for The New York Times

It is time for an evolution…maybe a revolution?  The year is half over and it is inarguably time to gain some traction in a new direction.  I am looking for ways to shift into the second half of 2022 with new priorities in mind, and I hope you do too.  Knowing what you want is important, but it is even better to know when to ask for it.  What opportunities do you have and what new ones can you make?  I hope this edition helps generate some inspiration.

For starters, take a listen to the latest episode of The Art Pro Net Podcast, and list how I was inspired by the PACCIN Conference last month.  Through listening to discussions, like the one with the Diversity Apprenticeship Program (DAP) cohorts, and talking to other attendees, I found a new perspective on where we need to evolve as a profession.  It is time to move past the often siloed nature of our work, and engage with our institutions on a more senior level.  We need to be seen as contributors instead of tools.  We also need to learn what we want and ask for it.

Check out the resource section for tools to help you ask for what you want.  Take a look at the online DAP Toolbox so that you can build your own program, and broaden your team dynamic.  Check out the blog ExhibiTricks and learn more about what people are saying about transparency and equity.  Finally, don’t miss new tools and classes offered to strengthen your team.  No matter what you do, find a way to improve your culture and status quo.

Change is the result of incremental steps that add up to big advancements.  Take this summer to find your new path forward.