The relatively new role of Community (or Community Engagement) Curator is still being defined as museums struggle to identify how best to incorporate diverse audiences into their exhibits and programming. This session presents multiple views of how Community Curators position themselves to act as a conduit between the public and museum, developing interpretative materials, bringing external views to the museums attention, or building partnerships between the museum and community groups. Presenters will examine how museums can best interpret curatorial expertise and make space for community voice.

1. The Community Curator:
Bridging the Gap Between the Museum and the Public
Panelists:
Christian Adame, Assistant Education Director, Phoenix Art Museum
Marcus Monenerkit, Community Engagement Curator, Heard Museum
Carrie Tovar, Curator of Art, College of Public Service & Community Solutions at Arizona State University
Moderator:
Celina Coleman, Children’s Education Manager, Desert Botanical Garden

7. 2015 Master Artist basket workshop at Arizona State Museum

8. 2015 Master Artist basket workshop at Arizona State Museum

9. 2016 Master Artist basket workshop at Arizona State Museum

10. 2016 Master Artist basket workshop at Arizona State Museum

11. Community Art Exhibition, ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus, University Center

12. Community Art Exhibition, ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus, University Center

13. Community Art Exhibition, ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus, University Center

14. Community Art Exhibition, ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus, University Center

15. Community Art Exhibition, ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus, University Center

16. How do you define “community” at your
institution?

17. How do you make space for community?

18. How do you balance community interests
with the goals of your institution and the
project at hand?

19. How do you start engaging with a
community?
Who is the unlikely partner?

20. How do you measure success in community
engagement?
What if it doesn’t work?

21. Questions?

22. Things to consider:
How does your institution make space for community?
What will a community curator look like in 5, 10, 20 years?
Handouts:
Community Engagement Worksheet
Levels of Community Engagement Chart
Contact Information
Christian Adame, Assistant Education Director, Phoenix Art Museum
christian.adame@phxart.org
Marcus Monenerkit, Community Engagement Curator, Heard Museum
mmonenerkit@heard.org
Carrie Tovar, Curator of Art, College of Public Service & Community Solutions at ASU
carrietovar@gmail.com
Celina Coleman, Children’s Education Manager, Desert Botanical Garden
ccoleman@dbg.org