Spring Forum & Patron Weekend
Philadelphia 2025
Friday Forum
The 2025 MTA Spring Forum in Philadelphia, PA was a success! Hosted by the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA), our highly informative panels discussed current issues and trends facing museums today. Topics such as understanding the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), leadership transitions, the grappling of generational engagement, and the current state of executive searches.
Our first panel, featuring Anne Duquennois and Eileen Tomczuk, dug into AI- how it functions, how staff are using it, and what Trustees’ ethical concerns should be about is its use in their museums. The presentation not only helped people understand how younger staff maybe using this new tool but also how their use may allow it into museum systems and what guidelines or guardrails need to be put into place in the museum workplace.
Our featured speaker, Kaywin Feldman discussed her new book, Leadership Succession and Transition for Museums and Arts Organizations. In this book, Feldman shares her unique insights into leadership transition from two points of view: the Director/CEO and the Trustee viewpoint. She shared with the group her insights and experiences on both sides of the search.
The following panel with guest speakers Dr. Roger Casey and Lauren Adler, discussed intergenerational engagement in museums and dug into how different generations, from “the Greatest Generation” to Generation Y, are looking to engage with museums. Museums already have built into them many things that Generation Y are looking for in their lives, and museums need to promote those items to this newer museum goer. And with an insightful closing panel, Jackie Milder from Isaacson, Miller, shared with the group how Director/CEO searches have changed since Covid-19 and in the last four months are changing rapidly. Overall, it was a terrific day of learning and discussion.
At the end of the day, PAFA and the PMA invited everyone for an informal time together for refreshments and to share and discuss what we learned. Additionally, PAFA and the Women’s Committee allowed attendees to view the newly installed 124th Annual Student Exhibition. The graduating artists were invited to be present and share their work. It was a unique opportunity to engage with the artists in their life’s work.
A special THANK YOU to this year’s Spring Forum sponsors!
View the highlights from Patron Weekend!
MTA’s Patron Weekend began with a special visit to the Winterthur Museum. Patrons enjoyed the museum’s exhibits, famous gardens, and historic house tour of the du Pont family. The museum’s featured exhibition on the arts and crafts movement, Outside In, was inspired by Henry Francis du Pont’s love of nature and design. And including the family’s own collections, Patrons were privately shown and educated on the museum’s stunning inventory of global textiles.
Known as the heart of America’s Garden Capital, Patrons also visited Brandywine, PA for a private tour of Andrew Wyeth’s home and studio, showcasing the family's artistic legacy and connection to nature, and the studio of N.C. Wyeth, an accomplished illustrator and painter, most commonly known for his illustrations in Treasure Island. The studio featured original furnishings, props, and a striking mural in its 1923 addition, as seen in the photos below.
Patron Weekend continued…
Patrons were invited for a Forman collection tour and dinner inside Philadelphia’s eccentric “third space for the city dweller,” the Fitler Club. The weekend continued with exclusive access to private collections in New Hope, highlighting the art and homes of Pennsylvania Impressionists. A special thank-you to Anne Corso and the Michener Museum for hosting a memorable visit and luncheon.
The weekend concluded with anticipation for America’s 250th Anniversary. Patrons visited the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Museum of the American Revolution, which had recently opened Banners of Liberty, an exhibition featuring over half of the most significant Revolutionary War flags.
