project management

This can not go well

More than 3 years ago I was asked by the district of Görlitz if I could sketch a concept (above all dry, with lots of numbers) for the association Schlesisch-Oberlausitzer Museumsverbund gGmbH. Okay, I've been to the Markersdorf Village Museum with my children before, also to the Granite Mining Museum in Königshain, and I got married in Krobnitz in 2009. Unfortunately, I was not familiar with the Ackerbürgermuseum. And professionally I had no points of contact until the request. The request came as a surprise, but sometimes that's a good thing. No sooner said than done - based on the information available, I have written down approaches that I think could perhaps be tried. It was surprising that the shareholders' meeting of the association then officially asked the ENO to take over the business management - temporarily. An economist in a museum?  

Unconvincing 

I can state one thing unreservedly. Discussions about income, expenses, timesheets, allocation issues and organizational issues were (and still are) not easy, I can always sympathize with the employees. What does a museum do, how much effort is behind the organization of an exhibition, a festival or the preparation of pedagogical projects... I'm pretty sure that I've had the wrong training here to describe it from the beginning from the point of view of a museum to really understand. So my start was certainly not convincing.  

through the crisis

We all struggled, explained, looked for solutions and discussed common approaches. Even today I find it fascinating when Anja Köhler presents me with "the script" for a new special or permanent exhibition, I'm fascinated with how meticulously everyone prepares for the coming season, how creatively we approach inquiries and how much great support for through voluntary work, associations and sponsors from the corporate world. I have learned to appreciate the museum network, I find our work in - now 5 houses, because Königshain Castle was added in 2019 - enriching within Upper Lusatia. The efforts are worth it, the results are forward-looking, even or especially despite the current challenges. We have a good division of labor - and one goal.  

Fortunately

Maybe I have to say thank you. Thank you that everyone here was able to inspire me with so much conviction about the museum association. In all difficulties. I think it's important that we have a platform with Verbund. A platform consisting of 5 houses with their own and exciting content, which ensures that it is an essential part of art & culture in rural areas. History in connection with shining children's eyes (blandly called pedagogical projects), smiling faces at tailor-made events and cooperation with partners from many, many other regions - the pool is diverse. At the same time, the fundus is a reason to work for the museum association, to keep thinking about the next projects and, above all, never to lose sight of the topic of financing.  

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