During my two-hour drive from Phoenix to Tucson on Thursday afternoon, I reflected on what I hoped to gain from my first WMA conference. Although cooler weather was no longer an option, I looked forward to learning ways to find “balance” in the museum industry, meeting regional professionals to exchange ideas, and feeling more connected to the field.
The weeks leading up to WMA had tested my commitment to the non-profit and museum sector as my organization faced budget cuts that directly impacted my role as the Cultural Programs Coordinator. Thankfully, I’d found a path that allowed me to stay employed, but with a new title and job description that took me further away from the goals I’d set and the work I loved. Because of this, attending WMA was almost like a test. An opportunity for me to look at the industry as a whole and decide if this was still the right path for me.
Thats a lot of pressure to put on one conference, right? But after meeting people from other regional institutions, I started to realize I was among peers facing similar challenges. Seema Rao’s keynote speech quickly addressed these struggles. Despite our differing career stages, Rao’s assertion that “the museum doesn’t love you” resonated deeply. If that was the kick-off to WMA, I wondered what else was in store and if I had the desire to continue listening to one story after another about passion, hard-work, and finding balance and happiness in a world where art and bureaucracy are frequently at odds.
Regardless of my expectations heading into the conference, I left with insights that were more valuable—and complex—than I anticipated.
Seema Rao’s keynote set the tone for a weekend spent attempting to reconcile the difficulties we all face with burn-out, pay inequity, and changing visitation patterns that bring into question the expectations set by generations of prior museum-goers. Yet, each session I attended, and each casual conversation I had with someone, made me hopeful that there were much brighter days ahead and that, perhaps, the times might be changing, albeit slowly.
A walk to the Ventana Canyon Resort waterfall for some much-needed reflection time.
In a conversation with a close mentor and colleague, I came to find out the WMA is very different from other regional museum conferences, particularly those on the Eastern coasts. The theme of “balance” was almost controversial as it allowed for equal value to be placed on a person’s well-being and life beyond the hallowed walls of our museums. That realization was incredibly empowering. It was refreshing to hear discussions that prioritized mental health and work-life balance as crucial components of sustained engagement in the museum field. This focus challenged the outdated notion that passion for the arts should be synonymous with self-sacrifice. Instead, the dialogue emphasized the importance of self-care, encouraging professionals to reclaim their time and energy to foster creativity and innovation.
As I participated in each session, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and belonging among my peers. It reminded me that we are not alone in our struggles; we are part of a larger, supportive network of individuals dedicated to enriching lives through culture and art. Ultimately, the WMA conference served as a vital reminder that the work we do is significant and impactful. Yes, there are difficulties, but there is also a community of like-minded professionals ready to support one another. As I drove back to Phoenix on Sunday afternoon, I made a choice to carry with me the lessons learned and a renewed commitment to fostering a healthier work environment for myself and my colleagues.
I encourage anyone facing similar challenges to attend WMA. You might find, as I did, that the camaraderie of fellow professionals can be just the inspiration needed to reconnect with your pasion and purpose. Regardless of my expectations heading into the conference, I left with insights that were more valuable—and complex—than I anticipated.
Abbie, Mel, and Aija attending a happy-hour mixer on the terrace.
Aija Cave is the new Events & Hospitality Manager for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation at Taliesin West in Phoenix, AZ. She has been with the organization for 4 years, starting as a part-time seasonal sales associated in the museum store. She graduated in November 2020 from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland with a Master of Science in Collections and Curating Practices and entered the museum work force at a time when the future of museums and non-essential businesses was deeply uncertain. By staying the course and assisting in creating unique programming that brought people back together in safe ways, she grew to find joy and renewed purpose in the museum field. Out of a difficult time, she also found a love of running, hiking, and being outdoors, which now helps keep her “balanced” when the work feels overwhelming or impossible.
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