Presenting our findings at the California Association of Museums conference!

On February 20, the Art Center presented our findings at a session entitled Talkin' About the Generations. Jenny Wei showcased the Art Center Next Gen project as a case study showcasing how different generations can work successfully in the museum professional environment.

As audience members arrived, they were provided with a sticker that indicated their generational affiliation (undeclared was an option) and a color key to their breakout group. Breakout groups included a motley mix of generations and promoted some wonderful ideas about what works, what doesn't to promote intergenerational dynamics and what the field can do to help.

In our breakout discussions, some key themes emerged:

• The power of communication
• Organizing opportunities for staff to get to know each other through offsite gatherings involving food and alcohol
• Promoting diversity training to foster understanding beyond just generation, also gender and ethnicity
• Focus on the things that connect us
• Using our exhibitions and programs to incorporate multiple viewpoints
• Use empathy and promote understanding