{"id":3909,"date":"2022-08-24T01:05:37","date_gmt":"2022-08-24T01:05:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laprensanewspaper.com\/?p=3909"},"modified":"2022-08-24T01:36:54","modified_gmt":"2022-08-24T01:36:54","slug":"toledo-museum-of-art-launches-strategy-that-centers-on-belonging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/laprensanewspaper.com\/index.php\/2022\/08\/24\/toledo-museum-of-art-launches-strategy-that-centers-on-belonging\/","title":{"rendered":"Toledo Museum of Art launches strategy that centers on belonging"},"content":{"rendered":"

The belonging plan underscores the Museum\u2019s commitment to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming culture for all <\/strong><\/p>\n

TOLEDO, Ohio: \u00a0\u201cA place for the benefit of all the people of Toledo\u201d is a commitment embedded in the founding charter of the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA). On Aug. 3, TMA published its belonging plan, an operational strategy that articulates how diversity, equity, access and inclusion (DEAI) are integral to the Museum\u2019s strategic plan. The new resource outlines actions and outcomes that will guide TMA.<\/p>\n

\u201cArt museums continuously strive to become meaningful and accessible experiences for everyone,\u201d said Adam M. Levine, the Museum\u2019s Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey director and CEO. \u201cAt the Toledo Museum of Art, following our belonging plan will help us contribute to those efforts. The Toledo Museum of Art\u2019s mission is to integrate art into the lives of people. To have those impactful, art-filled experiences with the Museum, potential visitors need to feel invited in the first place. This plan activates the promise we\u2019ve made to our community\u2014that you have a place here, exactly as you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the plan was officially released this summer, efforts to ensure a sense of belonging were already underway at TMA. In January 2021, the Museum partnered with local strategy consulting firm JAYRAMON LLC and engaged key stakeholders through community listening sessions that were integral to the final plan. TMA also created a department dedicated to belonging and community engagement.<\/p>\n

Rhonda Sewell, the Museum\u2019s inaugural director of belonging and community engagement, joined the team in April 2021. With the belonging plan, her first major initiative in this role, she acknowledges that accountability is essential to success. \u201cNurturing an authentic culture of belonging at TMA is central to becoming the model art museum in this country,\u201d said Sewell. \u201cThis actionable plan holds all of us accountable to offer our community measurable<\/p>\n

outcomes that intentionally demonstrate a commitment to DEAI principles throughout the organization.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katie Shelley also joined TMA\u2019s new department of belonging and community engagement as its inaugural manager of access initiatives, a position developed in partnership with The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. Together, the department and Museum staff are making progress on several belonging-related initiatives, including:<\/p>\n

Growing the curatorial team to expand TMA\u2019s ability to tell new stories and highlight diverse perspectives <\/strong><\/p>\n