It’s all about meaning-making
Meaning-making is the magic that occurs where museums and people meet.
It’s what happens when the objects, stories, and ideas museums share intersect with people’s personal narratives, experiences, and curiosities to create transformational “ah-ha” moments. These moments can spark a positive difference in people’s lives and that difference can ripple out to influence social good.
Museums are not monolithic or neutral.
Every museum is part of a complex, changing ecosystem full of opportunities and challenges. Museums must leverage their unique qualities in ways that resonate within broader societal circumstances to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
People are diverse and have unique lived experiences.
Each individual or community has its history with and attitudes towards museums. People bring their own values and beliefs to a museum encounter, and their varied ways of making sense of the world must be taken into account for museum experiences to resonate and be transformative.
Kera Collective explores, measures, and furthers the meaning-making that occurs between museums and people.
Through research, evaluation, and strategy we support museums to imagine, create, and sustain experiences that align with their purpose to make a positive difference in people’s lives and society at large.
Our approach is grounded in our values
Generosity of spirit
We lead with kindness, respect, and a steadfast commitment to contribute to a world where everyone thrives.
Openness to possibility
We pursue curiosity and continuous learning, allowing us to look to the future and imagine what’s possible.
Adaptability amid complexity
We find meaning and direction in ever-changing circumstances to make sense of complex systems.
Honesty in everything
We believe honest communication and vulnerability lead to radical clarity and empower us to connect with one another in deeply human ways.
We are grateful to the countless thinkers and leaders in the museum and evaluation fields who inform our practice.
We are especially inspired by Intentional Practice, Theory of Change, Systems Thinking, Developmental Evaluation, Constructivism, and Human-Centered Design.