Museums Under Attack: Damaged Art and Thefts

On the topic of museum registrars and the role of museums as protectors of valuable cultural objects, museums do have their share of "incidents," where works are damaged or taken by members of the public. Stealing art from museums continues, even with the best security systems. After all, museums are open to the public, and as such offer opportunities for objects to get under foot, or to generate an emotional response that is not always positive. And who can resist the high stakes involved, when a single painting can be worth upwards of 50 million dollars?

Search the web for a report of a work getting damaged by the public, either by accident or on purpose to make a statement. Or find a story about an art theft, one that is either solved or unsolved. Post a short summary (4 sentences) of the incident (when, where, how, etc.) and a live link to the story/video, no later than Monday, October 5, 5 pm. Thanks!

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/25/boy-trips-in-museum-and-punches-hole-through-million-dollar-painting

Deaccessioning and Museums in Dire Straits

Over the last decade, a number of prominent museums have faced dire financial straits, much like the situation the Delaware Art Museum encountered in 2014. In some cases the decision was made to deaccession works from the collection, with the plan of using the proceeds from the sale to pay off a debt, or face certain closure of the institution. As was made clear in the readings on the DAM, this practice goes against the AAM Code of Ethics, which states that money from the sale must "be used for acquisition or direct care of collections." It also goes against the mission of a museum and its service to the Public Trust.

Informed by the Delaware Art Museum readings and the discussion we had in class, respond to this particular situation. What mistakes were made? What could have the museum done differently? Do you think the AAMD was right in sanctioning the DAM, and do you think there should be exceptions to the rule when the very survival of a museum is in jeopardy? Answer all questions in at least 4 sentences, and respond no later than 5 pm, Monday, September 28. Thanks!

What Museum Jobs are out there?

Museum job titles and focus areas have been shifting over the last decade, responding in part to the expanding functions of museums in relation to audiences and interpretation. One of the key resources to learn more about what jobs exist (and are available) is the American Alliance of Museum's Job Board (called Job HQ): http://aam-us-jobs.careerwebsite.com/c/search_results.cfm?site_id=8712

Visit the site and explore. What is the range of job openings? Do they cluster around certain departments? What do the job openings say about the needs and/or nature of museums today? Or even about specific institutions themselves?

Respond in at least 4 sentences, noting examples of jobs you discover, including what museum listed the opening(s). Upload no later than 5pm, Monday, September 21.

The Primary Focus of a Museum

Thinking about our discussions in class about the concept of museums as temples for the elite protecting objects or as pleasers of "the lowest common denominator," what do you think should be the main focus of a museum? How could such a primary focus be communicated effectively to an audience? Use examples. Please respond in at least four (4) sentences, and upload to this blog no later than Monday, September 14, 5 pm. Thanks!