#LMSP2016 Fellow Takeover: Alma Catalán
Hello, my name is Alma Catalán and this summer I had the opportunity to be a part of the Latino Museum Studies Program, based out of the Smithsonian Latino Center. I am an arts management student at Claremont Graduate University in southern California. I am also a first generation college-goer, a graduate student in hiatus, new American, and Latinx, who is still overcoming adversity while pursuing a career in the arts.
During #LMSP2016, I was based out of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) working on Latino Initiatives. I chose this practicum as my first choice because I believe in their mission statement, which is to create access and to start conversations at all levels, among communities and individuals that otherwise wouldn't have them. Most importantly, they want to do more than just put together exhibits, - "SITES' presence changes lives, institutions, and communities" (from their mission statement). Similarly, my personal mission is to provide a space for Latinx artists to share their untold stories of navigating through a bicultural world and to help them create bridges to different communities. By doing so, it offers a new perspective and alternative point of view about the American experience.
For four weeks I had the opportunity to be mentored by Maria del Carmen Cossu, Project Director for Latino Initiatives at SITES. In this very short time, I was able to learn first-hand about exhibit development through being part of several meetings such as project director meetings, SITES staff meetings, and specific project meetings. One of my main tasks was to do research on how museums are engaging with Latinxs. At the conclusion of my practicum, I presented my findings to the SITES staff, as well as the Smithsonian Latino Center staff, and other #LMSP2016 fellows. The biggest takeaways from my conclusions were the following:
1. Museums need to start creating bilingual exhibits or continue if already doing so. 2. Museums should break away from the traditional ways of engaging with audiences. The Latinx audience is multigenerational, and their outings are a family affair. 3. Museums need to secure full-time positions to address the needs of the Latinx audiences.
Four weeks was not enough time, but the experience of being a fellow at SITES/Latino Initiative has been life changing. I would like to thank everyone at the Smithsonian Latino Center and SITES for allowing me to explore, learn, and join the conversation to increase the U.S. Latino presence at the Smithsonian and beyond.
I spoke with Paula Newbaker, Community Engagement Coordinator at SITES about her findings on how museums are engaging with diverse audiences. Are you a Latinx? How would you like museums to engage with you?
One of the most successful bilingual exhibits by SITES has been Bittersweet Harvest. It was extended 3 times! By analyzing the educational posters, it gives me ideas about engagement opportunities with youth to bring back to Los Angeles.
My awesome mentor Maria del Carmen Cossu always made sure I had plenty of reading materials. I read many reports on museums and engagement practices as well as the connection and disconnection with Latinx audiences.
A perk of being a #LMSP2016 fellow are the opportunities to connect with past fellows and interns. This photo is of the amazing Maria del Carmen Cossu (middle), Patty Arteaga (right), a past SITES intern, also from Los Angeles and myself (left).
Follow the #LMSP2016 Fellows via instagram @smithsonian_lmsp @slc_latino, the Smithsonian Latino Center Facebook page or via twitter @SLC_Latino













