RECOGNTION AWARDED: RE-ACCREDITATION FROM THE AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF MUSEUMS
Krasl Art Center has again achieved re-accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation shows excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. Krasl Art Center was first accredited in 1998, then re-accredited in 2010. and again now. All museums must undergo a re-accreditation review on a cyclical basis to maintain accredited status.
"The Krasl Art Center is an important cultural institution that has strengthened strategic planning, expanded its collections focus, and enhanced interpretation and community engagement since its last accreditation review." stated Marise McDermott Chair, Accreditation Commission.
Alliance Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over fifty years, the Alliance’s museum accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation, and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable to provide the best possible service to the public.
"Being an accredited art museum means Krasl Art Center is operating ethically and professionally; it testifies that we are carefully planning for the future while respecting the past. It is also what allows us to attract exhibitions and artworks from across the nation." explained Executive Director and Chief Curator Tami Fauver.
Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. Krasl Art Center is one of only 37 museums accredited in Michigan.
Accreditation is a very rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study, and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.
“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” said Marilyn Jackson, AAM President & CEO. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.”
