the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), announced that the latest version of TrendsWatch is now available to its members.
TrendsWatch: Navigating a volatile future Provides a detailed discussion of three major topics: Culture Wars 2.0, the adolescence of artificial intelligence, and the decarbonization of the future. It will be made available to everyone for free in March, while AAM members can access a digital copy now.
Planning for change
TrendsWatch: Navigating a volatile future It sets the stage for the far-reaching topic of volatility and speed of change through three main strands of research – museums and cultural conflict, the impact of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, and the climate crisis.
In Culture Wars 2.0, this report builds on the previous edition's discussion of the growing partisan divide in the United States and the role of museums in reforming it.
“However,” he explains Elizabeth Merritt“, Vice President of Strategic Foresight and Founding Director of the Center for the Future of Museums, American Alliance of Museums, “There is an adjacent trend that threatens the sectors' ability to play this reform role: museums as battlegrounds in a new wave of culture wars.
“Some criticize museums for embracing progressive values, while others view museums as conservative relics of the colonial past. With alarming frequency Climate activists Using museums as platforms for protest or vandalism to draw attention to their cause.
She asks: “How can museums defuse this tension before it causes more damage?” What choices do they face to avoid or engage in the current conflict, and how will these choices shape the future of museums and society?
In the Adolescence of Artificial Intelligence, the possibilities of artificial intelligence and its implications for the museum sector are considered. This topic asks how organizations can make sound choices about emerging technologies both now and in the future.
Decarbonizing the Future asks what actions museums can take to reduce their carbon emissions, and how they can inspire others to live more Sustainably.
“The climate crisis poses a massive threat to museums, the communities they serve, and the material legacy made by all humans,” says Merritt. “Museum collections constitute a vast seed bank of human civilization, creativity, and achievement. Protecting these seeds will require a commitment to decarbonizing the future – and replacing our dependence on fossil fuels.” with sustainable systems.”
“Facing a volatile future, it is very important to grow,” she concludes Dr. Jane McGonigalFrom the Institute for the Future, it's called “urgency optimism”: the desire to act immediately to address an obstacle, coupled with the belief that we have a reasonable hope of success. I hope this report reinforces that hope and leaves you feeling empowered to make a difference.
Earlier this month, the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) unveiled Initial programme For the 2024 AAM Annual Meeting and Museum Exhibition (AAM 2024). The event takes place from May 16 to 19 in Baltimore, United States.
