The past few decades have seen a rise in dialogue around the idea of radical self care – recognizing that listening acutely to our bodies and tending to our needs allows us as individuals to show up best for our loved ones. What could it mean to apply that same principle to institutions? 

The Covid-19 pandemic reiterated the immense emotional and physical burden on public facing positions and has forced institutions to re-evaluate the ways they care for these staff and volunteers. As we increasingly work to promote a sense of welcome and well-being for our external communities, this session will explore how museums can practice institutional “self care” – with a focus on frontline teams – as a radical approach to deepening our community impact overall. 

As part discussion, part workshop, the intention is for museum leaders and workers to come away with a few concrete ideas to grow an internal culture of care within their own institutions. 

This program takes place on First Friday at SJMA. After the workshop we encourage participants to enjoy the museum and the surrounding art walk!

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Check-in and Networking

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Discussion and Workshop

7:00 pm - ?: Option to continue your evening with us at San Jose's South First Fridays

Our speakers:

Michèle Jubilee (she/her)

Michèle Jubilee is the Education Curator at New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU), currently building community through youth and exhibition programming. Michèle is also a multidisciplinary artist and illustrator making art about the body and soul, our relationships to ourselves and each other, emotions, and our unique journeys of growth as human beings.

Christina Young (she/they)

Christina Young is a painter and an arts and cultural worker with a particular interest in creating spaces that empower individuals and drive connection. Currently supporting programs at the Headlands Center for the Arts she was recently the Associate Director of Visitor Experience at Oakland Museum of California and has a rich background in Bay Area arts and cultural institutions, with experience ranging from programming and development, to education and visitor experience.