About Our Theme 

Over the past decade, museums have focused much of their work on engaging with their communities in more authentic, meaningful ways. From shared authority in curating exhibitions and the development of born-digital archives, to programming and commemoration efforts led by community members, to more inclusive approaches to fundraising and public relations, museum staff have forged new relationships and strengthened long-term bonds while seeking to work in concert with the people they serve. Many of these efforts have coincided with an increasingly discordant national discourse that has affected the ways we design and give tours, interact with schools and donors, and prioritize staff well-being. All of these factors weave together as we seek to build harmony and understanding to interpret Georgia’s historic, cultural, and natural resources, as well as the stories of Georgians past and present.

Athens has a well-deserved reputation as a hotbed of live music and alternative rock. Chart-topping acts such as R.E.M., The B-52s, the Indigo Girls, Widespread Panic, and Pylon shaped the sound of the 1980s and ‘90s while creating a vibrant local music scene that still thrives today with diverse sounds. For musicians, tuning their instruments with their fellow performers is an essential aspect of the music-making experience. Agreeing on a shared pitch, or finding the right frequency, makes possible all of the melodies and harmonies to follow.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 CONFERENCE PARTNERS