New Forums : Art Museums and Communities

A new museum environment is taking shape in America, states author Bonnie Pitman. Art museums are becoming forums for the discussion of new ideas, places where people can interact and learn from one another. This book explains how this transformation is occurring in a nationwide test group of 11 art museums. Supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts' Program for Art Museums and Communities, these museums were able to think creatively about enhancing the quality of the visitor experience and expanding service to their communities. Though the routes they took were different, from community-based artist residencies to fundamental changes in board/staff attitudes, all became institutions where learning, flexibility, and innovation are integral parts of the organizational culture.