We're midway through Key Ingredients here in Michigan.
A few weeks ago, one of Michigan's Key Ingredients sites posed an interesting question to their peers: How do MOMS communities build upon their success as exhibit hosts? How do they take advantage of the increased visibility, presence, and stature in their communities?
The answers are revealing:
Site #1 noted that the experience prepared them to handle ambitious projects like this in the future. Also, the experience "looks good on future grant applications." The coordinator suggested keeping in contact with all program partners, with an eye towards for other ways to work together.
Site #2 remarked that Key Ingredients inspired them to pursue a three-year project including a professional exhibit and oral history project. The coordinator said that they are trying to "capture" their exhibition volunteers and bring them into the folds of the organization. She noted that the exhibit led to new levels of participation and collaboration between her organization and area businesses. "Our community really rallied around" the exhibits, she reported. But, she also noted that she and the other local leadership was worn out.
Site #3 stated that the project raised community awareness of their organization. But, they must build upon the short-term "buzz" for any lasting legacy. The exhibits were housed in a new facility; as such, the coordinator experimented with a variety of programs. Based on the results -- some worked, some didn't -- which helped them construct models for future programming. She noted the importance of keeping new volunteers active and taking advantage of future fund raising opportunities amongst program partners.
She ended with a prescient observation: In order to continue the success of something like Key Ingredients, an organization must make an investment (in staff or otherwise) to maintain the level of activity reached during the exhibit. If treated as a one-time event, it will be just that.
In my personal experience, I think it's key for host organizations to keep in mind that it's not so much the appearance of Key Ingredients -- or any exhibit -- as it is the actions of the organization itself that lead to long-term impact. In other words, getting the exhibits is half the story. Organizations are "awarded" them because they already have the capacity, creativity, and infrastructure to support similar projects.
-- Gregory Parker, Michigan State Coordinator for Key Ingredients, Michigan Humanities Council, Lansing, MI
