Museums as Catalysts for Change
Museums are agents for social change and shapers of cultural content in their communities. We have an obligation to positively shape local and national agendas, and thus our children's futures. While businesses, municipalities, and community groups increasingly embrace sustainability, there has been little synergy or cohesion regarding sustainable practices within the museum community. Museums are in a unique position to lead by example and proactively address these challenges in a non-threatening, educational, and public way--through the topics we choose for exhibits, and, more importantly, through the way we do business.
Many children's museums are already doing so, leading the way based on their long history with recycled arts programs, old building renovation, working with less, and refurbishing old components. Our young visitors force us to consider their futures.
