Empowering Museum Educators to Inspire Action & Create Change
The Autry Museum of the American West
Monday, May 19th | 9 AM - 3 PM
“Education is an act of love, and thus an act of courage” - Paulo Freire, Education for Critical Consciousness
At a time when uncertainty and fear are felt on a personal, communal, and global scale, museums have the potential to provide reliable spaces of resilience, critical dialogue, and transformative action. Join MESC on May 19, 2025, for a crucial discussion on how museum educators can adapt to a changing landscape, take action, and inspire communities to do the same. This event is more than just a gathering-it's a call to action, a platform for sharing ideas about the accountability of museum education and educators, and an opportunity to organize as a field to take meaningful action.
Join fellow educators for this one-day event, where MESC showcases innovators in the field of museum education and fosters a vibrant community for educators to share ideas, connect, and build lasting professional relationships.
Through keynotes, breakout sessions, and poster presentations, we’ll examine the evolving responsibilities of museum educators, share strategies for adapting to change, and build networks of support to sustain impactful work.
Admission includes breakfast, lunch, and access to keynotes, breakout rooms, poster sessions, and museum exhibits.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Annual Institute!
Register now to secure your spot and join us in empowering museum educators to inspire action and create change.
Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
Museum Educators of Southern California (MESC) is excited to offer sponsorship and advertising opportunities for the 2025 Annual Institute: Action & Accountability. Our 2025 Sponsorship Deck features a flexible sponsorship package and customizable options to help you connect with regional museum educators. Supporting the Annual Institute is a fantastic way to showcase your organization and engage with this dynamic community. The priority deadline for sponsorship and advertising commitments is March 17, 2025, but many opportunities are exclusive or limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot early!
Need Management Support?
Are you looking for some tips on getting your management to support your attendance at the Annual Institute?
Check out our Justification Toolkit using the link to the right for some verbiage and copy support from MESC.
SCHEDULE
9 AM: Doors Open
9 AM - 10 AM: Breakfast & Networking
10 AM - 10:30 AM: Land Acknowledgement & Welcome
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Keynote Panel
11:35 AM - 11:45 AM: Bio Break
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM: Keynote Debrief Sessions
12:30 PM - 2 PM: Lunch, Activities & Open Galleries
2 PM - 3 PM: Breakout Sessions
3 PM - 3:15 PM: Goodbye
4 PM: Happy Hour @ 4 PM
BREAKOUTS
Financial Adaptability: Navigating the Current Grant Landscape
Are you interested in learning practical approaches to securing and sustaining funding to enhance your museum’s mission and long-term impact? Explore practical strategies and insights into successful grant writing and financial advocacy to improve the long-term sustainability and impact of your museum's mission. This session welcomes all museum education professionals interested in exploring ways to communicate their impact more effectively at their institutions. While everyone is encouraged to join, this session may hold more value for those at the mid to senior level, looking to continue to deepen their knowledge in financial advocacy.
Gabriel Enamorado
Founder & Executive Director of Stay Arts
He / Him
Gabriel Enamorado is the founder and Executive Director of Stay Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that broadens arts access and representation through high-quality arts education, community-led art programs, and impactful public art projects. Through Stay Arts, Gabriel oversees youth arts education programs and public art initiatives across Southeast and Greater Los Angeles. With over 18 years of experience, he remains committed to creating opportunities for artists and increasing access to the arts in underrepresented communities.
Crystal Gonzalez
Founder and Chief Change Maker at RevComm Consulting
She \ Her
Founder of RevComm Consulting, Crystal has over a decade of experience dedicated to serving nonprofits. She has been instrumental in increasing grant funding, effectively evaluating programs, and streamlining internal operations. Crystal has a wealth of experience securing grants from public, private, and corporate funders, strategically tailoring grant proposals to attract diverse funders.
Building Community Power Through Cultural Education Within Museums
The Arts Council of San Bernardino County will explore how museums and cultural organizations can be catalysts for community power. Through arts education, public programming, and partnerships with local creatives, we’ll examine strategies to deepen civic engagement, counter censorship and misinformation, and challenge inequities from within institutions.
Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez
Executive Director - Arts Connection
He \ Him
Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez is a first-generation Chicano, social entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to advancing the cultural and creative economy of California’s Inland Empire. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Arts Connection – The Arts Council of San Bernardino County, Alejandro has held diverse roles throughout his career, from 6th-grade educator to Research and Evaluation Analyst at First 5 San Bernardino, and Program Director at El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center.
Ulises Rodriguez
Associate Director - Arts Connection
He / Him
Ulises Rodriguez is a dedicated artist, cultural organizer, and advocate for the arts, committed to fostering creative spaces and uplifting communities across the Inland Empire. He has spent over a decade advancing arts education, nonprofit management, and cultural programming. As the Associate Director of Arts Connection – The Arts Council of San Bernardino County, he plays a key role in supporting artists, developing community-driven initiatives, and expanding access to artistic opportunities.
