Elisabeth Callihan is Head of Multi-Generational Learning at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia). She leads a team of practitioners who co-create programming that connects the community with the museum’s collections and uses art as a lens to explore social issues.
Callihan also conceived of, continues to develop and implement the Museum As Site for Social Action (MASS Action) movement, which now has international reach. This is a collaborative project which seeks to align museums with more equitable and inclusive practices.
She works tirelessly to make museums more equitable for all people. She leads change initiatives at Mia, creating spaces for historically marginalised communities to engage with and have voice within the museum. She has empowered countless museum professionals through MASS Action and her influence is inspiring.
Since the publication of this list, Callihan has left Minneapolis Institute of Art. She joined Mississippi Museum of Art as director of education in 2021.