Consolidation update

2012 Business Meeting

On April 23rd Museumwise board chair Michele Phillips and Museum

Association of New York board president John Haworth co-hosted the 2012 business meeting/s providing the assembled participants with an update on our consolidation process and inviting those present to pose questions and share their ideas regarding the consolidation. Please read on for a glimpse at where we are and what's to come.

Where we are today    

On April 22nd, at a joint board meeting of the Museumwise and MANY boards members discussed and approved documents for the petition of consolidation. These documents have since been approved by the consolidated board on May 14, 2012. The documents define the following elements:

• Interim Organization Name - Museumwise: The Museum Association of New York 
• Mission - In partnership with diverse museums, heritage and related organizations, Museumwise: the Museum Association of New York strengthens the capacity of New York State's cultural community by supporting high professional standards, strong organizational development, and by providing advocacy, training and flexible information networks so that all may better serve their missions and communities.
• Bylaws - click here to view 
• Board Consolidation Plan - this plan set in motion the creation of an interim board made up of twelve board members from each organization. The interim board has the full authority to make decisions to keep the consolidation moving forward. Members of the interim board are:

   

  From MANY: Michael Botwinick, Melissa Chiu, Rebecca Gideon, Pamela Green, John Haworth, Steven Kern, Suzanne LeBlanc, Beth Levinthal, Scot Medbury, Mark Mortenson, Bart Roselli, and Gretchen Sorin

   

  From Museumwise: Christine Campeau, Rob Cassetti, Christopher Clarke, Jennifer Haines, Dana Krueger, Lenora Henson, Hillarie Logan-Dechene, Michele Phillips, Erin Richardson, Lauren Sodano, Kristen Swain, and SallyTreanor

Looking ahead - so what's next you ask?

Through 2012 both organizations will do double duty - serving you as you know them; continuing 2012 programs and services, while also working on the consolidation plan.  

• Take a look at these upcoming opportunities:
  • Grants for Museum Advancement - Get Set application deadline July 1st
  • 2012 Museum Institute at Sagamore, September 18-21st explore the essence of being a Director. 
  • Fall 2012 online courses - Collections Management 101 and New! Care and Handling of Costumes and Textiles 
  • 2013 Museums in Conversation - call for proposals to launch June 11th
  • Are you ready to take the right steps? Museumwise & Erie Canalway NHC partnership to provide technical assistance in support of participation in the AASLH StEPs program   
  • 2012-13 Salary and Benefits Survey (to be published mid-summer)
  • An Interview with Ron Chew, this year's conference keynoter can be found here 
  • Final advocacy conference call of the legislative session is schedule for June 14th at 1 pm (contact MANY for more information)

• Consolidation tasks
• Prepare and submit consolidation petition and associated documents to NYS Board of Regents
• Define staff roles and responsibilities
• Prepare joint operating budget
• Combine offices
• Begin operation as consolidated organization, FY 2013
• FY13 NYSCA registration and application will be submitted as a consolidated organization for GOS and for administering the TA Regrant program