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AAM unveils latest alliance strategic framework

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AAM 2022-2025 Strategic Framework

After period of pandemic uncertainty, updated plan will guide museum association members

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) has today announced the release of its latest strategic framework document which will guide the organisation through the next four years.

A critical work plan for the sector, the document guides the future of the field and aims to deliver equity, real museum impact, and celebrate the ongoing work of museum professionals. The organisation has represented museums including, art galleries, science centres and zoos since 1906.

AAM 2022-2025 Strategic Framework Document

Looking to the future, the 2022-2025 Strategic Framework outlines four priority areas for AAM. The sections are entitled Social & Community Impact, DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion) and Anti-racism, The Museum Community, and The Way We Work.

The latest priorities will be developed through new outlined goals including:

  • Celebrating, strengthening, and connecting the museum professional community in all its diversity.
  • Supporting museum professionals in learning from each other, managing through crisis, and rebuilding strong, relevant, and sustainable institutions.
  • Leading the museum field in building support for museums as essential community infrastructure and becoming more equitable, inclusive, and impactful institutions and community partners.
  • Critically examining AAM’s programs and operations to ensure the association models its values.

Reflecting aspirations

Laura Lott AAM
Laura Lott

AAM’s new strategic framework is released following a perilous few years for the museum and attraction sector, with board members hoping to guide members through more predictable terrain.

Laura Lott, AAM President and CEO says “As the collective museum community, the choices we make in the coming months and years about what and how to rebuild will set our field’s course for decades.

“This framework will guide the critical work that lies ahead inspired by the incredible work museum professionals have engaged in response to community needs over the course of the pandemic.”

Director of the Michigan State University Museum and Science Gallery and AAM board member Devon Akmon developed the framework with the strategic plan task force over the past year. During the process, the AAM board and staff collected thousands of data pieces and feedback using questionnaires, networking and focus groups.

Akmon says “We are grateful to the thousands of individuals who provided us with their feedback, thoughts, and concerns for the field. Their voices allowed us to create a framework that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of museum professionals from across the field.”

AAM board chair Chevy Humphrey, president & CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, adds “The AAM 2022-2025 Strategic Framework sets the path for our Alliance to come together from across the broad museum field and inspire leadership at all levels. It is exactly what we need at this moment to rebuild a strong and sustainable sector.”

The 2022-2025 Strategic Framework can be downloaded from the AAM website by clicking here.

Its release follows the Alliance’s 2020 Impact Report, also made available to members earlier this year.

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Adam studied Marketing and Advertising Management at Leeds Beckett University. Originally from Lancashire and now based in Norfolk, UK, you can usually find him appreciating art deco design or on a roller coaster.

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