The American Alliance of Museums and its Center for the Future of Museums recently released the 2024 TrendsWatch – their annual report on cultural trends that are uppermost on museum executives’ minds. TrendsWatch is packed with data and links to more data, insights on how these trends are impacting museums, and examples of how some organizations are addressing the trends.

The insights in this report reach far beyond the museum industry. They offer useful strategy and planning considerations for any community-facing organization – which is to say, any nonprofit. Below I offer a brief overview of the 2024 report’s top trends, and I hope you’ll read the full report and draw inspiration from those organizations that are trying to meet the challenges head-on.

Culture Wars 2.0

Nonprofits must operate in communities that are increasingly divided over vocabulary, values, and visions of the future. Most nonprofits’ missions aspire to build bridges and conversations among community factions. Are your staff and board prepared for potential controversies navigating these divisions? Some organizations are choosing to take a stand, while for others, the peacemaker role is more consistent with their missions.

AI Adolescence

Artificial intelligence is successfully generating images, analyzing data, and drafting language like a human would. Has your organization identified the opportunities and minefields associated with AI use? Is it within your mission to be a trusted resource, to help your community recognize and amplify only trustworthy information? Some museums are experimenting with ways to leverage AI as a resource to visitors and to bring the past to life.

Decarbonizing the Future

Your organization is probably already responding operationally to climate-change challenges: seasonal flooding or wildfires that threaten buildings and collections; changing plant-hardiness zones that imperil botanical gardens and historic specimens; increased extreme-heat days that brutalize people and animals; rising insurance costs (if you’re lucky enough to operate in states where insurance companies are still writing new policies). Can you serve as a model or a convener for those in your community looking to make a difference on climate change?

Dropping the Degree

Studies show that museums have a bias toward individuals with higher-ed degrees – even for skills that are often more typically acquired outside the higher-ed setting. Are your hiring practices and requirements compromising your staff diversification goals? Are you most comfortable managing people with life experiences like yours?

Combatting the Loneliness Crisis

The pandemic only exacerbated social trends that were isolating us from one another and driving loneliness to unprecedented highs, especially among our young people. Can your organization create opportunities and spaces that foster positive and safe interactions among folks who might not otherwise meet? Are you partnering with organizations that share your community goals of building social capital, connections, networks?

If your organization is struggling to meet some of these challenges, even though they squarely fit within your mission and programs, I can help you plan for change. Let’s talk soon!