Problem Solving in a Rapidly Changing World
In today’s world, we need creative problem solving skills more than ever to plan for an uncertain future and unexpected developments. This month, explore how creative problem solving helps to interpret history in politicized times, rethink philanthropy, and address unexpected uses of AI in research.
What’s Making Us Curious?
KATIE’S PICK
Museums Lead the Way for the Nation’s 250th
“This article from the New York Times is a reminder that the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary is not just an opportunity for history organizations, but also for art museums to reflect on the country’s past, present, and future. While federally-funded museums face mandates from the current administration about their content and approach, I hope that museums will hold strong in telling America’s full story in ways that reflect many perspectives and experiences through history and art.”
EBONY’S PICK
Release from Prescriptive Funding Practices
“With the recent threats to federal funding, I have been further exploring conversations about the ways we fund projects, especially those that support the arts, humanities, and community-centered work. In this podcast episode from Grantmakers in the Arts, entitled ‘The Myths of Philanthropy: Exploring Narratives that Define What is Possible,’ Mandy Van Deven (Elemental), Zaineb Mohammed (Kataly Foundation), and Erin Williams (Constellations Culture Change Fund and Initiative) explore the assumptions and systemic inequities that undergird the distribution of resources.”
HANNAH’S PICK
Finding AI Equilibrium Within Qualitative Research
“I can’t stop thinking about this article we read about ways people are using AI to craft their responses to open-ended survey questions. I’d been feeling down about all the implications of AI on research, but this was the first time I read something that made me reconsider. Yes, an AI-crafted response is a step removed from the participant’s own ideas, but at the same time it may be the only way they can participate if they don’t speak English, or are having trouble communicating their ideas via text. When does validity supersede accessibility or vice versa?”
New on the Learning Hub
What’s New At Kera?
Catch Lina Bhatti in DC! Lina will be attending the Association for Art Museum Interpretation Annual Convening on November 6-7 at the National Gallery of Art. If you’ll be there too, be sure to say hello!
We’ve added new project summaries to our website! Learn how we explored usability and classroom application for the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s new interactive digital resource for teachers and students; led evaluation of two design-based teen programs at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum that focused on uncovering opportunities for scaling; created an evaluation toolkit for community-based school program at the Fine-Arts Museum of San Francisco; and measured the impact of a multi-visit school partnership program at the Langson Institute for California Art.
Moment of Wonder
“I love live performances of all kinds, especially in small venues where the immediacy of the shared experience between performers and the audience is palpable. Last month, I got to see MJ Lenderman perform in his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina a year after Hurricane Helene caused devastating floods and damage to the city. I could feel all the love in the crowd and was in awe to be a part of it."
— Stephanie
