Art Pro Net Podcast
76 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★ - 4 ratingsArt Pro Net Podcast is a bi-weekly podcast exploring topics and people in the art logistics and collection management fields. Each episode will include information about art handling, registration, collections care, conservation, fabrication, mount making, and other art logistics topics.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Where Do You Want To Go Now? Using Institutional Missions to Drive Your Next Job Search.
May 22, 2023 02:58 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBWhat do you look for in a job posting? If you are like most folks, you look at location, salary, and type of collection. While these are all critical parts of planning where you want to send your next application, it is essential that you understand what kind of institutions you are considering. What size of an organization is it? Do they maintain a collection or not? What is their funding model? The truth is we do not all thrive in the same sort of climate. This episode looks at some o...
Planning for Your Future with Confidence: Applying Your Every Day Bravery to Your Own Career
March 27, 2023 01:35 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBDo you feel unsure about where your career is going? Do you get overwhelmed trying to plan your next steps? Do you also get up every day and manage collections and exhibitions? Building a career plan is no less complicated or scary than making the same kind of plans we all do in our roles as art pros. To know what an object needs and how to manage its logistics you must know your path, understand the object, and consistently remain aware and flexible to the adjustments required. The same ...
Inside Networking: Getting to know your own organization
February 27, 2023 03:25 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBI've done many episodes to encourage listeners to get out and network in the art pro community, but this one is a bit different. Now it is all about networking within your own organization. Many art pros have little to no interaction with co-workers outside their direct area. Do you understand your organization's goals, funding structure, or what the priorities are for other teams? This episode is all about how you can utilize curiosity, communication, and collaboration to learn more abou...
No Small Bug Issues: Tips for Building a Solid Integrated Pest Management Process
January 30, 2023 02:37 - 32 minutes - 44.1 MBWith the beginning of a new year and our 5th season here at Art Pro Net, this podcast is about a topic that can often seem daunting to art pros. No matter your institution's size, finding the time and resources to build an integrated and consistent pest management plan can be challenging. I hope this episode will help you find ways to make it possible for you to reenergize your IPM. From knowing your space to knowing your pests, the key is having solid partners to make tracking and evaluati...
End of Year Locations Checks: How to Wrap Up Your To Dos for 2023.
November 14, 2022 04:14When people start to wrap up their year things get quiet, and one of my favorite tasks is location auditing and collections inventories. In this episode, I go through how you can implement your own spot check or even a full-blown inspection of your collection, and make the most of your time and effort. From the checklist of things to look for during your process to how to break it up so that you can focus, it is essential that you always improve the situation of an object. Attempting this ...
Finding Capacity in Your Team by Making Space for Everyone
October 17, 2022 01:16 - 28 minutes - 39.8 MBThe newest buzzword these days is Capacity. It comes up in conversations about storage space and usually goes along with square footage and static loads. Hearing this word has opened up a different line of thinking for me...what about people's capacity? The last 3 years have irrevocably changed how we interpret our capacity and what is expected of us by the institutions where we work. We need to embrace this evolution and consider ways to transparently share information so that our teams ...
Building a Solid Reputation with Lenders
September 18, 2022 23:37 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBHave you ever been part of a loan process before? If you have been a lender you know how much work can go into this process. What you may not know is that how you behave as a borrowing institution can make or break your reputation as a museum professional. We work in a very small world, and the right behavior can build a solid reputation that will pass muster with some of the most strict lenders. A bad reputation will keep your institution from getting loans in the future and will affect all ...
Networking Advice for the 4th Quarter: How to reconnect with gratitude.
September 06, 2022 01:48 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBWho are you grateful for in 2022? This is a fantastic time to answer this question and plan your end-of-year networking. In this episode, I talk about how to make a positive and sincere impression on those you have connected with and make sure that you are strengthening your network so it can support you in the future. Whether with a virtual coffee date or a handwritten card, the key is to be genuine in the thanks you put out there. Building a network is the way to professional success an...
Getting Real About Ageism: Interview with Ashton Applewhite
August 08, 2022 02:27 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBI am so excited to bring you this interview with author and ageism activist Ashton Applewhite. Her book, This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism is a hopeful and authentic look at this issue affecting everyone. In the art pro community, there are misconceptions about physical strength and cognitive ability in older candidates, and the perception that long-held positions are keeping younger generations from joining the workforce. We also discuss that ageism is a problem for younger art ...
Making Space as a Manager: How to build a team that feels they can ask for help.
July 25, 2022 02:24 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBBuilding and managing teams is not easy. It requires that you search for talented individuals that have the skills you need and the potential you hope will help you accomplish your goals. All the talent and potential in the world can't get you to the finish line if you do not find ways to give your team members space to engage with you. In this episode, I talk about things that I keep in mind no matter what size my team is. From making yourself accessible, and creating ways for team membe...
Balancing the Plates: How to make a project plan and still put people first
July 10, 2022 23:26 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBHave you ever been midway through your previously planned budget and schedule, and then you get asked to pivot and add something new? Don't worry. You really can add projects while keeping the plates spinning, and without letting your team down. In this episode, we talk about the production triangle, space management, and adjusting priorities while still being realistic. Also, we discuss the one priority you should never adjust, your team. Keeping them on top and staying accountable for ...
Creating Storage Protocols with Confidence
June 27, 2022 01:58 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBHave you ever had a conversation about collections access that left you feeling like a damp rag? Do you constantly get accused of being too restrictive? Here are my top 5 concepts to consider when setting up your protocols for storage or any collections care processes. Protocols should be created with the goal of stewarding the collection so that it lasts as long as possible, and in the end, creates more access rather than less. Learning how to explain that to your peers and critics can h...
Considering Collections Care Beyond the Physical
June 13, 2022 02:27 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBDeciding to become a collections manager is the first step, but the second is even more important...deciding what kind of collection you want to care for. If you choose cultural heritage objects you need to be ready for more than just the logistics of the collection. You also have to care for the spirit, intent, and cultures it represents. In this episode, I discuss collections care beyond the physical, and things to consider before you decide to join a team at a cultural heritage museum.
Prep for a Professional Evolution
May 31, 2022 02:47 - 37 minutes - 34 MBAttending and participating in the PACCIN Conference this month allowed me to take in many fantastic insights and perspectives, but one thing was driven home for me more than any other...We as a community need to start working on pushing forward and evolving how we build our teams and manage our processes. Expectations are changing with each generation and we need to find ways to build our profession into a career and not just a stepping stone to another part of the museum world. We need to...
It's Time for a Network Revival
May 02, 2022 03:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBPost-COVID networking can be overwhelming, but now is the time to revive your connections. Whether you are just starting out, or you have had a strong network in the past, getting out there and making contact can be intimidating. This episode is all about what you should consider when reviving your networking goals. If you can focus on being genuine and respectful of those you are reaching out to you will find a community waiting to support you.
Taking the Pain out of Evaluations
April 18, 2022 03:23 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBDo you find evaluations excruciating? Do they cause you anxiety and fear? If they do then there is one thing you can count on, you are doing them wrong. In this episode, I talk about something I hear people worry about, complain about, dread, and despair over...annual evaluations. Too often this process is used as a punitive popularity contest that is lorded over staff. Listen in to find out how to remove some of the pain, and make it a process about the potential and not punishment.
The Joy of Constraints: How to Utilize Regulations to Push Your Process Farther
March 20, 2022 19:28 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBOftentimes collections managers are considered the "Art Cops" of our industry. We are seen as the wet rags that add stop signs to the planning of exhibitions and collections care. In this episode, I would like to propose another way to look at the restrictions that dictate our protocols... instead of them being interpreted as elements that stop creativity they are a launching point for innovation and improvement! It is through the understanding of our industry, and the regulation's origins ...
How to Avoid Sticky Situations
March 07, 2022 02:41 - 45 minutes - 42 MBFor my first "Nuts and Bolts" episode this season I am getting into a sticky topic. We all walk the fine line using tapes and adhesives in our work. Knowing when, what, and how to use these materials can mean the difference between safely caring for your collections and causing irreparable damage. In this episode, I take a look at maintaining clean processes, avoiding migration and transfer, and some key tips on what types of tapes and adhesives are best for packing and displaying objects....
The Museum Roles That Make It All Work
February 21, 2022 01:19 - 50 minutes - 46 MBIn this episode, I continue my quest to help you answer the question... "What do I want to do in a museum? Believe it or not Curatorial and Collection positions make up a small sector of the staff you need to make a museum functional. Without the Money Makers in Development, the Image Makers in Communications and Marketing, the Frontlines and Operations staff, and many others our museums would literally not be able to exist. You might already have the experience and skills to work in a mus...
Asking Before You Abandon
February 07, 2022 01:33 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBMany think that 2022 is the year of The Great Resignation, but I think it is the year of The Great Leverage. More than ever people are willing to consider new scenarios and changes in the workplace. So before you leave consider asking for what you need to make a change for the better. In this episode, I explain how to think through researching a position, crafting an argument, and building a negotiation strategy. There are ways to present the changes that you need to your senior management...
First Impressions for 2022
January 24, 2022 00:55 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBThe Art Pro Net Podcast is back for the 4th season! After a few months hiatus of running recruitment and working on a refresh, this episode is all about first impressions. What you say in your applications is important, but how you say it is even more valuable. Find out some of the top things to consider, look out for, and work to avoid in your applications. It could make or break how you are perceived and received by hiring managers.
Cultivating Curiosity
November 22, 2021 04:12 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBI see a lot of negativity and struggle for our community these days. What ingredient are we missing to help move things in a more positive and hopeful direction? One thing I have noticed is a significant lack of curiosity. People head toward careers in our field without an understanding of the realities. They struggle to advance once they have gotten a foot in the door. I think a lot of it has to do with a lack of curiosity in the overall organizational processes and a lack of investigat...
Both Sides of the Hire
November 08, 2021 03:29 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBWith job searches picking up again, I am noticing some major issues coming up for art pros involved in all parts of this equation. Having been a seeker on both sides and a translator in the middle, I feel uniquely qualified to share some perspectives on where I think the negative feelings of mistrust and wrongdoing might come from. I also want to share my thoughts on what we need to do as a community, both aspiring and established, to build a better situation. If all of us own our choices,...
Building a Basic Tool Kit
October 24, 2021 02:01 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBThe holiday sale season is upon us, and this episode is all about the basics you need for an everyday tool kit. From tape measures to hardware kits, it is important to have tools and tricks for all kinds of scenarios. Also, being prepared not only makes your life easier but helps you make that solid, confidence-building first impression at a new gig. Whether it is a small pouch to keep in your bag or a rolling kit to have at the ready, I get into the basics, a few upgrades, and some things...
Moving Up Instead of Moving On
September 13, 2021 02:34 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBPeople are leaving their positions in a big way these days, and this episode is about how to make moving on a positive event. My tips on leaving your current gig with gratefulness and sincerity will help you maintain a positive reputation in our community. These sorts of decisions should be made with the long game in mind. If you plan your transition with intentionality and restraint, you will not only be successful in your interviews and job offers, you will also hold onto relationships a...
Access Management in Collections Storage
August 31, 2021 02:27 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBOne of the things I love about my work is being with the objects. As collections managers, we build familiarity with our spaces that many people crave. That being said, controlling access to storage is paramount to great collections management. In this episode, I explored how access should be considered when running a storage space. Unlike galleries, collections storage should be a highly controlled space where people are managed in very predictable processes. Even though many profession...
Frame Theory
August 02, 2021 02:57 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MBFraming is often considered an accessory or as an afterthought, and my institutions look at it as a temporary presentation method for objects. The truth is, framing can be an important part of long-range collection and exhibition planning. Using the right materials, and building an overall stock framing protocol can extend the value of the process. It can save resources like time and money involved in everything from planning to installation. It also can help with the future care of the w...
Cliffs Notes Conservation for Exhibition Planning
July 19, 2021 02:28 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBConservation is not a one size fits all practice and can be overwhelming for many smaller institutions to keep in mind when planning their exhibitions. In this episode, I focus on some of the overarching and predictable elements of conservation that everyone can count on. From understanding the materials you need to use to predicting all things that "touch" the art, a lot can be worked out in planning without bringing in a conservator. While it is always a good idea to consult an expert on...
The Key To Staff Retention is Appreciation
June 21, 2021 02:30 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBJust look at the news today and you will see that people are leaving their jobs at unprecedented rates. There are many reasons, but most stem from unfulfillment and burnout. How can we work to retain our talent in the art pro world? We can start by changing our mindset when it comes to staff appreciation and recognition. Our staff members need to feel valued, supported, and trusted and this can only come with a consistent process of acknowledgment. In this episode, I look at the three ma...
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Recovery of Graphics Installation.
June 07, 2021 02:42 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBThere are so many parts to exhibition planning that sometimes it is easy to discount steps like graphics installation that seem routine. In this episode, I go into everything from vinyl murals to silkscreening and give you tips and tricks to consider. All processes have good sides and challenging sides to them, and picking the wrong one could cause unpredictable issues that will hurt your schedule and budget. I help you think through everything from editing to installation. The goal is to...
Storage Truths
May 24, 2021 01:32 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBOne thing that has not stopped since quarantine...storage planning. In this episode, I take a look at a process that can be challenging, exhausting, and rewarding. These 5 tips and truths come up no matter what size storage space I am working on. From home closets to massive offsite storage facilities, you can always depend on the fact that there will be many voices, many perspectives, and many different expectations. I hope this episode helps you start your journey or possibly get perspe...
Interview with Larissa Wild
April 26, 2021 01:22 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBIn this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Larissa Wild, founder of Larissa Wild Fine Art Consulting (). She is a fantastic new connection and opens up with me about her journey as an art pro. She shares her perspectives on everything from networking in our industry to her process for helping people achieve their art collecting goals. It is a wonderful look at a pathway that is not as well understood as some, and I can't thank her enough for being a guest on the podcast. Make sure...
Getting Noticed for the Right Reasons
April 12, 2021 02:09 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBThe world is opening up and people all over the industry are beginning to look for art pros. Your interview starts from the moment you hit send on that email or Indeed application. Are you ready to make the right impression? In this episode, I am going over my top five Don'ts for when you apply for a position. I also give tips on how to get through the software filters, and what makes me as a hiring manager consider applications. I also hope this podcast helps give everyone out there sear...
The Inevitable and Irreversible Element
March 29, 2021 02:43 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MBNo matter where I work there is always one consistent challenge...natural light. There are many reasons it is beneficial to visitors and how we experience museum spaces, but the thing we can all agree on is that it's rarely a positive for collections. In this episode, I look at the reasons windows are in our world and how to deal with them in a way that safeguards against unnecessary damage. I also discuss the misconceptions and myths surrounding both natural and man-made light exposure an...
Strategic Pop-up Planning
March 15, 2021 02:24 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBPop-up Installations are one of the most flexible scenarios I've come across as an art pro. They often require some really creative and out-of-the-box thinking. They have also been some of the most frustrating projects I have been a part of, and it really comes down to knowing how to plan them. In this episode, I go through the basic and not-so-basic things to keep in mind when working with non-traditional installations. Whether you are in a hospital or a bank lobby you will need to consi...
Managing the Anxiety of Handling Collections
March 01, 2021 02:20 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBThis episode is inspired by a question I found on a listserve this week..."How do you deal with the anxiety and stress that comes from handing valuable collections?" I have thought a lot about this including the core priorities we need to focus on while building our teams and careers. These include leaving time for people to continuously learn and grow in their skills, training those joining the profession so they continue to contribute to its growth, and considering short-term and long-ter...
Planning Collections Care from the Ground Up
February 15, 2021 03:02 - 37 minutes - 34 MBPlanning for collections care can be confusing and complicated. You have to balance the object's needs alongside many other factors...budget, time, and staffing to name a few. Not to mention the regular changes in the availability of materials. In this episode, I look at all these factors, the reasons they exist, and ways to cope with them. Whether you're new to collections management or have been at it for years, I hope this helps you consider some concepts to make the best of whatever y...
It's Time To Revive Your Network.
February 01, 2021 01:25 - 33 minutes - 31 MB2021 is here and APN is renewing our connection with you by focusing on how you can revive your network and build it stronger. Now is the time to get back out there and check-in with those people you know and connect with those people you want to know. Creating a network is something we should all work on regularly but let's get real...2020 was about survival and keeping it together. This episode is about how to get started or dust off those skills and make an impact in this new year and d...
Finding Ways to Be Thankful in 2020
November 23, 2020 02:57 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBI want to start this season finale with a big thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. I know that this has been, is, and will be one of the hardest years in memory. It is difficult to find reasons to be thankful in 2020, and so I have dedicated this episode to how we can find opportunities in the midst of challenges. I hope that we can all keep this year in perspective as we find a new path forward in 2021. I am grateful for what I have learned this year and the new prioriti...
Planning with People as the First Priority
November 09, 2020 02:55 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBIn this week of big decision making, we should all look toward next year with hope and purpose. This episode looks at the top 5 things to consider when you are making that plan. Everything on the list prioritizes your most valuable asset in moving forward...people. Our human resource will be the most fragile commodity we have moving forward and we need to prioritize people's health and well-being by planning for the chaos we know is possible. 2021 will be a new era in our field where mana...
Best Laid Plans Deserve Second Look
October 13, 2020 02:31 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBWell, we are 6 months in, and hopefully, your plans, processes, and protocols are proving successful. This episode is about digging them out, getting the team back together, and seeing how the plan matches up with real life. We are all working through the pandemic fatigue, and one way to alleviate some of the pressure is to see where you can adapt your process to allow people some room to work. We also look at how to review your plan by discussing the difference in meeting styles and purpo...
Post COVID Loans and Virtual Couriers
September 28, 2020 02:50 - 38 minutes - 35 MBAs some museums begin opening and some exhibitions go through changeovers, we are all looking for new ways to work. This has lead to a major shift in the way loans are being couriered and cared for on the road. In this episode, I look at what to think about when you consider a loan, and how to structure a virtual courier trip. It is about preparing, planning, and communicating clearly. Also, knowing your objects well enough to talk someone through installation rather than showing them how ...
Expect the Unexpected
September 14, 2020 02:58 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MBBetween the falling ash on the West Coast and the movement to outdoor activities, outdoor sculptures will become a big part of our planning in the next year. This episode looks at some of the basics you should take into account when planning new installations and looking at your existing collections. Remember that just because the work is huge does not mean it is indestructible. Outdoor works need regular care, maintenance, and planning for every aspect...especially the unexpected. Let us ...
Doing More with Less is Not the Way to Success
August 31, 2020 02:46 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBLong before COVID caused a full stop, museums were pulling back on staffing and ramping up on programming. In the last few years, there have been protests by museum workers, union organizing, and massive drops in morale at museums everywhere. Now with the mass layoffs and social justice movements of 2020 people are speaking out about the toxic work environments that cause burnout, alienation, and an unprecedented exodus from our industry. There has to be a new way forward and it means stoppin...
So You Want To Be A Manager?
August 17, 2020 02:43 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBOur industry will need more qualified managers soon, and many art pros are interested in stepping up to the next level. The truth is, you can be a rockstar in your niche but it does not mean you are ready to manage. Realize that your role will change in many ways, and you need to be ready. In this episode, we look at the soft skills, and changes you need to know about to become a team leader. The most important aspect is..management is way more than a little extra admin work. You should p...
Not So Secret Agents
August 03, 2020 02:34 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBMany of our spaces are closed down for the foreseeable future and those of us still involved in collections are maintaining and care taking for our facilities. It is a good time to remind ourselves of the 10 Agents of Deterioration, and how they can inform our planning and prioritizing. The last time I worked for an institution that had to shut down for a long time was after a natural disaster, and I was an intern. Through those nine months of closure, I learned how important it is to utili...
Searching for a Diverse Perspective
July 06, 2020 02:25 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBOn this July 4th weekend I'm taking stock of where we are in the museum community. The intersection of layoffs and the fight for social justice has given me a lot to consider, and I see that in all of this change we have a massive opportunity. Now is the time to rethink how we have always done things. We need to open the pipeline and find ways to build teachable structures that are accessible to a bigger community. We also need to value one another and create opportunities for everyone wh...
Interview with the Art Services Worker Safety Coalition
June 22, 2020 02:10 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBI am so excited to present my interview with Meg Colbert of Box Art, and Derek Jones of Atelier. We talk about the new coalition they have organized, the Art Services Worker Saftey Coalition. This amazing new group and website are dedicated to the protection of art pros in this COVID world. Through group discussions and collaboration with leaders from all sides of art logistics, they have come up with a standardized set of guidelines to help make our work safe. You can check out their site...
Creating Instead of Waiting
June 08, 2020 02:54 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBWith the arrival of June, there are a lot of new stressors arriving. PPP loans are running out, mass layoffs are happening to art pros everywhere, and many places have a hiring freeze on. What can we do? In this episode, I talk about different ways to develop and promote yourself professionally so you can keep or create opportunities for the future. Managers today are struggling to keep up with all the new responsibilities on top of what they already had on their plates. Reaching out and n...
Handle with Care
May 25, 2020 17:11 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this episode, I discuss how to stop splitting your focus and concentration, and feel more whole working from home. Multitasking has taken on a new form for many of us who used to accomplish tasks on the go that are now having to learn to work from one spot. Gaining control over my time again has helped me feel that my contributions are focused and adding value. I go through all sorts of concepts from focusing on your internal needs rather than external, and how to reengage on a person t...