Back to All Events

2021 Annual Institute: Prioritizing Access in Museum Education


The 2021 MESC Annual Institute looks at the ongoing evolution of accessibility in museum education and institutions. How have we shifted to provide remote access to our programs and collections during the pandemic and how can we continue these practices after reopening? How can we provide authentic space and support for communities that have historically felt unwelcome in our galleries? How can we adopt more inclusive teaching practices and center multiple languages in programs and didactics? Accessibility can and should be a central goal of museum educators and our institutions. Join us as we share ongoing accessibility work, engage in reflective dialogue, and collectively imagine how museums can better prioritize access for the diverse communities they serve.

Keynote Speakers

Leah Van der Mei (she/her), Director of Public Operations and Access, California Academy of Sciences and Founder of Museums4Inclusion 

Madison Zalopany (she/her), Director of Community Programs and Engagement, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Breakout Session Facilitators

Keidra Chaney (she/her), Writer and Digital Strategist 

Holly M. Crawford (they/them), Director of Education, ESMoA

Annie Roos (she/her), Accessibility Educator and Museum Educator, MOCA

Bernardo Velez Rico (he/him), Manager of Off-site School Programs, Dallas Museum of Art

Schedule

Wednesday, May 26 1:00 - 3:00 PM (PDT)

1:00 PM- 2:15 PM Keynote Conversation and Q + A

2:15 - 2:30 PM Break

2:30 - 3:00 PM Lightning Talks 

Thursday, May 27 1:00 - 3:00 PM (PDT)

1:00 - 2:00 PM Breakout Sessions

2:00 - 2:15 PM Break

2:15 - 2:50 PM Discussion Groups

2:50 - 3:00 PM MESC Announcements 

Accessibility:

MESC is committed to providing opportunities for all of our members and the larger community to participate in our programs and engage with one another.

MESC will provide live captioning, ASL interpretation, and a Spanish interpreter on May 26. If you would like to request any of these accessibility services for May 27 please contact mescbiz@gmail.com by May 20.

Ticket Pricing is based on a sliding scale (according to means)

Pay What You Can (Suggested Sliding Scale $10-$20)

If you are a MESC member, we suggest paying $10-$15 for your ticket, according to your means. If you are not a MESC member, we suggest paying $15-$20 for your ticket, according to your means. *Note: No one turned away for lack of funds!

Ticket + MESC Essentials Swag Bundle ($35)

Donate $35 and receive ticket admission and our MESC Essentials Swag Bundle - which includes a MESC pen, gaiter, and notebook (Please provide your preferred shipping address)

Ticket + Community Builder  Swag Bundle ($45)

Donate $45 and receive ticket admission and our MESC Community Builder Bundle - which includes a MESC pen, sticker, gaiter, notebook, and tote. (Please provide your preferred shipping address.)

Ticket + MESC Changemaker ($60) Swag Bundle

Donate $65 and receive ticket admission and our MESC Changemaker Bundle  - which includes a MESC pen, sticker, gaiter, notebook, and tote AND a MESC membership - you will save $15 on a membership! (Please provide your preferred shipping address.)

Register Here!


Earlier Event: April 12
#MESCFeautures: Centering Teen Voices
Later Event: September 13
#MESCrecommends: Muse Series