Sharing the Tea: AANHPI Experiences in The Museum Sector

ID: WMA2026_578

Track:

This highly interactive session builds upon previous sessions at WMA, CAM, AAM, and efforts to launch a Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Museums Association. Through polling and facilitated discussions, participants will engage with others who identify as AANHPI, those who work in AANHPI museums, and allies. Participants will have multiple opportunities to candidly share experiences, frustrations, and hopes from their personal/professional experiences. This session is open to all WMA conference attendee

Session Information

Format: Regular session/panel (roundtable, single speaker, etc.)

Uniqueness: This session provides a rare, safe space for AANHPIs (and their allies) working in the museum sector to candidly engage in discussion and build connection.

Objectives: By the end of this interactive session, participants will have:  1) Increased understanding of current national efforts to start an association of AANHPI Museums and Museum Professionals. 2) Increased self-visibility through opportunities to share their own personal experiences as well as increased social cohesion via discussions and group-sharing. 3) Increased awareness of how to they can stay updated and engaged in the coalescing and early stages of association development.

Engagement: Presenters will begin session with a polling activity to assess audience make-up and persepctives (e.g. “It’s been challenging to be AANHPI in the museum sector.”)   Presenters will then facilitate small group discussions to build connection and safe space.   The majority of the session will be based on modified fish bowl format, where an initial group of participants are invited to the stage for facilitated conversation. With each progressive question, participants will swap in and out.

Relationship to Theme:

Audience

Audiences: Other 

Professional Level: All levels 

Scalability: The outcomes of this session are applicable to all persons, regardless of whether they are an emerging or seasoned museum professional. While intended primarily for persons who identify as AANHPI, the session is open and applicable to all.

Participants