In early spring when many non-profit museums were closing their doors to the public, the OJAC did feel some of the same questions and uncertainties. What were our priorities and responsibilities to our community in such extraordinary circumstances? How could we plan in a sustainable way with so little information?
However, I realized that our museum was handling extreme change with less panic or chaos than some. It wasn’t difficult for me to identify what may have enabled our calm amidst the early confusion…and what I think places the OJAC in a uniquely fortunate position to quickly, creatively and successfully adapt!
Our Local Community
Our physical location provides us a supportive community of small towns with which we have developed close relationships through our exhibition and outreach programs. They called and messaged us encouragement, donated and increased their engagement through our social media these past four months. It felt so reassuring to know we were recognized and valued even when our gates were closed.
Our Remote Location
Our somewhat remote location in the state necessitates our reliance on technology for a virtual/ distanced experience of the museum. Our collections were already accessible via Distance Learning Programs for various audiences: we offered virtual tour programs, K-12 programs, teacher programs, homeschool programs and senior programs. It wasn’t difficult to build on our existing experience and convert studio workshops, summer camps, cultural celebrations and family events into a virtual experience, marketed online to our membership across the state and beyond.
The location of our museum had also ensured a decades long relationship with other rural or remotely located West Texas museums, who have come together in past initiatives for cooperative exhibits and programs as well as cross-marketing and promotion of one another. We had a support system in place that made it possible to co-program with six other museums- creating weekly, themed content together that expanded our audience and reach. (If I posted a virtual tour or studio-process video, six other museums would advertise it for us!)
Our Staff and Our Mission
Our smaller-sized staff necessitates a consistent team dynamic where everyone stays flexible and pitches in, regardless of their specialty or background. All OJAC staff, from Docents and Interns to Gift Shop and Grounds offered an extra blog post, provided a virtual tour or were interviewed about their favorite object or spot in the building. With the doors closed to visitors and in a time that could have easily been utilized for “catching-up” in each of our department work, we opted instead for a muster of new ideas and extra effort. Our staff immediately stepped outside of their typical job descriptions to create digital content and fulfill our core mission- to ensure that our collections remain accessible for all!
I feel so fortunate to be a part of a team and an institution that is so resourced and motivated to create and adapt in this strange moment. Not sure what this summer will continue to bring, but I feel assured that we are uniquely equipped to rise to the challenge.
Erin Whitmore
Education Director