Seeing the World From a New Perspective
This month's resources show how shifting your perspective—through storytelling, moments of awe, and embracing contradiction—can deepen empathy, help you navigate difficult times, and open new paths for understanding ourselves and others.
What’s Making Us Curious?
RACHEL’S PICK
Narrative Driving Change
“Ebony recently led the Kera team in a group discussion on the FrameWorks Institute’s ‘Narrative Change in the Climate Justice Movement’ case study. The case study highlights the power of narrative in shaping public understanding and driving systemic change, which I feel is also a core function of museums. The strategic way climate activists frame thematic narrative, moral vision, and empowering youth as messengers has been particularly thought-provoking for me, as I think about the future of lasting, inclusive social transformation.”
EMILY’S PICK
Designing for Awe
“Awe is one of those things that’s sort of intangible, but you know when you feel or see something that inspires it. Our staff’s ‘Moment of Wonder’ is often based on something that elicits awe. So, I found this MuseumNext article about measuring awe in museums an interesting read. As evaluators who often work with designers, we are curious how others define a feeling like awe but also how one can design museum exhibits to elicit awe.”
STEPHANIE’S PICK
Holding Multiple Truths
“I’ve always been intrigued by dichotomy as part of the human condition. How two seemingly different things can be true at the same time. I usually feel a strong pull to ‘pick a side,’ to settle into a position, but I find it impossible most of the time. Two (or more) things can be true at the same time, something lost is something found, and nothing is permanent. Kathryn Schulz, in her conversation with Ezra Klein, describes beautifully the very simple idea of everything being connected to everything else. Listening to her (and reading her memoir, Lost and Found) gave me a little solace and peace in this difficult time.”
New on the Learning Hub
What’s New At Kera?
Catch us at the Visitor Studies Association virtual conference from July 15-17. Amanda (who is head of VSA’s Professional Development Committee) will present “Adapting the Walk-Along Methodology: Experiences as External Consultants” with María Sotomayor de la Cruz, while Cathy will speak on “Confronting Sticky Situations: Implementing Ethically Sound Timing and Tracking in Museums Today” with Tara Miller, Emily Berg, and Teresa Norman. We hope to see you there!
We recently wrapped up a project with the Association of Science and Technology Centers, supporting ten of their member museums in the Voya STEM Futures grant program with a logic model, virtual training and capacity building, and program evaluation. Read the full summary here.
Our summer is ripe with coast-to-coast travel as Kera teammates visit museums of all sizes across nearly every U.S. region to support our amazing clients—something we’re deeply grateful for.
Moment of Wonder
“I am so often left in awe of my kids and their love of nature—more specifically, their love of bugs. On a recent walk by the James River in Richmond, where I live, we had a hitchhiker land right on one of my kids. This curious dragonfly rode happily along on their hands, arms, and shirt for a good half mile before it decided to take flight into the woods. We loved the company and getting an up close and personal look at a creature that has been around since the time of the dinosaurs (another family favorite)."
— Katie
