Alberta Museums Association (AMA) is an organization that provides a range of services and resources to Alberta's museum community. The group's main objectives include COVID-19 pandemic advisories for the safe reopening and operation of museums. They are also actively involved in leadership advisory roles, annual conferences, award ceremonies, and emergency preparedness, with a special emphasis on social responsibility.
An essential function the AMA provides lies in its range of grants to help support the diverse needs of its members. These grants include a Professional Development Grant, Operational Staffing Grant, and an Institutional Grant. They also operate a comprehensive mentorship program where individuals can either become a mentor or a mentee. This program reinforces their commitment to developing professional learning opportunities within the museum community.
AMA also offers learning opportunities through their Certificate in Museum Studies program and numerous professional development services. The certificate program provides instructions for museum professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for their roles. The association also publishes a variety of resources and materials to help individuals and institutions improve their museum and exhibit offerings.
AMA also provides a Museum Visitor Experience Program, aiming to enhance visitors' experiences at member museums. They offer individual, institutional, and even student or volunteer memberships, proving their commitment to support and engage all levels of the museum community.
Alberta Museums Association also has placed a priority on social responsibility and environmental issues. They provide resources such as the Climate Action Toolkit and the Corporate Climate Leaders Program to promote environmentally friendly practices in the museum community. They also regularly engage their audience through the Museums at the Mic Podcast for digital engagement and have an e-magazine INFOrm to keep members updated.
AMA offers various ways for individuals and institutions to get involved. They accept applications for new members and volunteers, and they accept applications for their Recognized Museum Program which endorses museums that meet certain standards of excellence. They also encourage participation in their various initiatives through calls for submissions to their INFOrm e-magazine and CEI Blog. The association also offers advertising opportunities with the AMA for increased exposure in the community.
Verdict: Alberta Museums Association offers a diverse range of services, grants, learning opportunities, and engagement platforms. Their commitment to social responsibility, professional development, and providing resources to improve museum standards, clearly supports their goal of enhancing the Alberta museum community's overall functionality and visitor experience.
