Metropolitan Museum Arts and Heritage Outreach to Rural American Learning Environments

Abstract

This article examines three case studies of museums with art and/or cultural heritage collections that have established and maintained outreach programs to learning environments in rural parts of the United States. This research attempts to investigate motivations for program creation, methods of operation, methods of engagement, content choices, program goals and objectives, along with barriers and opportunities uncovered through their approach. Data for this research was collected through interviews with participating museum staff who are involved in the operations or creation of the programs selected for the study. Interview data was supplemented through a short questionnaire and document analysis. The results of this study uncovered several patterns and similarities between the case studies, such as initial motivations, departmental oversight, program development strategies, program content themes, and recommendations for initial development and program perpetuation. This study also discovered variations between the case studies such as program structure, goals and objectives, accessibility strategies, approaches to funding, and visions for the future. Overall, this study identifies ways in which museums aspiring to connect with rural youth in their education environments can approach the creation of, or reimagination of, arts and/or cultural heritage outreach programs. It also identifies the challenges and opportunities for museums that do choose to take on this type of endeavor and what to consider in the process.