The pandemic has created an unprecedented set of challenges for cultural institutions over the past two years. As many institutions were forced to close their doors, their digital platforms, tools, and personnel were relied on to communicate and interact with audiences, share resources, collaborate, and develop new and existing projects. This symposium features speakers from New York City museums who will discuss how their institution responded to the pandemic, how it shaped and redefined their work, and the new pathways and connections it created for the future of their institutions.

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1 pm
Welcome
Peter N. Miller
Dean, Bard Graduate Center

Introduction
Jesse Merandy
Director of Digital Humanities/Exhibitions, Bard Graduate Center

1:20 pm
“The Pandemic as Portal”
Sofie Andersen
Senior Manager of Digital Content and Editorial, Metropolitan Museum of Art

2 pm
“Transforming Museum Experiences: Post-Pandemic at Cooper Hewitt”
Rachel Eve Ginsberg
Interaction Lab Director, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
Jessica Walthew
Conservator, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum

2:40 pm
Break

3 pm
“Responding to Pandemic Teachers’ Demands for Digital: A Women & the American Story Case Study”
Leslie Hayes
Vice President of Education, New-York Historical Society

3:40 pm
“Culture of Care: Art in Practice at The Rubin Museum”
Jamie Lawyer
Chief Experience Officer, Rubin Museum of Art

4:20 pm
Panel Discussion and Q&A