Synopses & Reviews
In this in-depth study of what makes a museum a successful organization, Anne Bergeron and Beth Tuttle look at so-called “magnetic” organizations, namely ones that combine a powerful internal alignment with a compelling vision so that they are able to attract critical resources, such as talented and committed employees, loyal audiences, engaged donors, powerful goodwill from the community at large, and the financial capital required to sustain programmatic excellence and growth. Magnetic: The Art and Science of Engagement analyzes six American museums: Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh; Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia; Conner Prairie Interactive History Park in Indiana; The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia; Natural Science Center of Greensboro in North Carolina; and Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Each of these has embraced a shift in ideology and set a new course that has enabled them to achieve a positive reputation and a fruitful engagement with the community. This philosophy of magnetism provides a model not only for museum administration but also for all types of organizations—from corporations to nonprofits—that wish to maximize their involvement with their customers and the wider public while strengthening their own organizational infrastructure.
Review
“Magnetic is a must-do operating manual for achieving your institutions passion, promise, and purpose.” Robert H. Dedham
Synopsis
Magnetic describes an institution with a powerful internal alignment and a compelling vision, allowing it to attract the critical resources for organizational success: talented and committed people; loyal and engaged audiences, donors, and stakeholders; a positive reputation and powerful goodwill; and the financial capital required to sustain programmatic excellence and growth. Authors Anne Bergeron and Beth Tuttle analyze six American museums that embraced a shift in philosophy and set a course of stakeholder, audience, and community engagement. Their "magnetic" quality provides a model for all types of organizations--from corporations to nonprofits--that want to maximize engagement with their customers and develop their true public service potential.
Synopsis
In Magnetic: The Art and Science of Engagement, authors Anne Bergeron and Beth Tuttle analyze six U.S. museums that embraced a shift in philosophy and set a course of stakeholder, audience, and community engagement. Their "magnetic" quality provides a model for all types of organizations--from corporations to nonprofits--that want to maximize engagement with their customers and develop their true public service potential.
About the Author
Anne Bergeron is associate director of external affairs at the Dallas Museum of Art.
Beth Tuttle is president and chief executive officer of the Cultural Data Project.
Table of Contents
Introduction: In Search of Magnetic Museums
1. Magnetism and the Art of Engagement
2. Build Core Alignment: Philbrook Museum of Art: Aligning Through Vision and Values
3. Embrace 360 Engagement: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park: Putting Guests at the Center
4. Empower Others: Chrysler Museum of Art: Serve First. Lead Second.
5. Widen the Circle and Invite the Outside In: Childrens Museum Pittsburgh: The Power of ‘Yes
6. Become Essential: Natural Science Center of Greensboro: Turning Outward to Meet Civic Needs
7. Build Trust through High Performance: The Franklin Institute: Righting the Ship
8. On Becoming Magnetic
Appendix A: Methodology
Appendix B: Stakeholder Interview List
Appendix C: Magnetic Museum Self-Assessment Tool
Acknowledgements
About the Authors
Index