The Utah Museums Association and Utah Division of Arts & Museums are facilitating online conversations to keep you connected and share ideas about timely topics relevant to the museum community.

Each conversation will have a topic to keep us focused. If you have suggestions for topics or would be willing to lead a topic please let us know by filling out this form.

After each Museum Exchange we will pull together resources shared with the group and add them here.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
online | free to attend

UA&M General Operating Support Update & Changes

In 2025, the Utah Division of Arts & Museums will open applications for General Operating Support grants. These grants are on a two-year funding cycle and have undergone many changes in the past fiscal year due to requirements from the State Legislature. You may have questions about how those changes will impact you as you prepare to submit the best application you can. Come meet the new UA&M grants manager, Stephanie, and ask questions about what you can expect as you prepare your application.

online | free to attend

Brainstorming for UMA's 2025 Annual Conference

Session proposals will be accepted through March 8 for this year’s conference in Kanab. Join conference program chairs Elizabeth Nagengast-Stevens and Jessica Proctor to brainstorm session ideas with your museum colleagues. Are there topics you would especially like to see? Topics you want to dive into deeper? Do you have a kernel of an idea and want to throw it out for feedback? If you can’t attend, add your idea to the 2025 UMA Conference Presenter Connector here. In addition to brainstorming, we will also share how to craft an exceptional session proposal and what the committee looks for in reviewing submissions.

online | free to attend

Advocating for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

Due to the need for immediate response we have reschedule the March Museum Exchange for March 20. For this Museum Exchange we will hold space to share how the recent Executive Order  Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy , affects Utah museums and discuss how you can help voice your support for museums and IMLS using  direct action steps  provided by AAM. We know we are stronger together!

On Friday, March 14, an Executive Order (EO), Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, directed the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to eliminate its activities not supported in statute and to perform at its minimal level required by law. IMLS already operates at a minimum level, making up only 0.0046% of the overall federal budget. IMLS efficiently provides critical resources to libraries and museums in all 50 states and territories. This EO would essentially gut IMLS within seven days.

Utah is better because of IMLS! Since 2014 IMLS has invested over $27 million to Utah Museums and Libraries through their grant program. From pre-school children to adult learners, IMLS funds benefit Utahns of all ages. These funds help Utah museums and libraries connect families, improve learning, and strengthen our communities. See a sample of projects in Utah that have been funded by IMLS here. You can track the impact of Executive Orders on the museum field on AAM's website here.

online | free to attend

Leveraging Vital Community Connections

During this time of uncertainty, partnerships are more important than ever. How do you build long-lasting and beneficial partnerships with your local businesses, school boards, or others? How can you leverage those partnerships during difficult times to illustrate the value your organization brings to your community? Join us to discuss how museums and community partners can mutually benefit from partnerships to serve their communities.

online | free to attend

Positivity in Uncertain Times

While there is currently a lot of frustration and uncertainty in our communities, we want to intentionally take some time to focus on the positive. What aspects of your work keep you going? How are you connecting with your community and colleagues? What gives you hope? Join us to share the good, because no matter how bad it gets, there is still good.

online | free to attend

Getting the Most from Utah Museum Month

We are celebrating Utah Museums in July! Join us to discuss how to make the most of Utah Museum Month for your organization. Let’s shed light on the amazing work you’re doing and encourage visitorship to all of the museums in the state.

online | free to attend

All You Need to Know about the Annual Conference

Join us to discuss everything you need to know before heading to Kanab for our annual conference next month! There will be great info for first-timers, plus a sneak peek at some of the awesome opportunities this year!

online | free to attend

Strategic Planning During Change

During uncertain times it can feel pointless to plan for the future. However, uncertainty is the best time to plan so you have clear priorities and paths regardless of the chaos around. Join us as we discuss best tips and tricks for strategic planning.

online | free to attend

And the Winner is ...

Be a winner by submitting your organization, staff, and projects for awards! As we approach a new year, join us in thinking ahead about potential awards and how to apply to them. We will also discuss why they are important to the future of your organization and how to leverage them to meet your goals, while also building credibility.