How does museum business governance work?
Written by Haiza Putti | Read in Indonesian
Have you ever wondered how a museum works, so that it can bring the works of important artists from all over the world? Apparently, as a non-profit arts and cultural institution, a museum gets its collections and funds from various sources. Let's explore how a museum works and what its business model looks like through Museum MACAN!
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara or Museum MACAN was established in 2017. Different from art galleries, according to Museum MACAN Director Aaron Seeto, the purpose of a museum is to serve as an educational and appreciation space for the general public.
Aaron explained that a museum does not trade an artist’s work, unlike an art gallery. Museum has an even further civic role, which is to maintain the continuity of art and culture education for the present and future generations.
Museum has a permanent collection as well as collections from collaborations with other institutions. Museum MACAN’s permanent collections consist of 600 works, collected by Haryanto Adikoesoemo in his 30-year journey as an art collector. The collections comprise various forms of works from various artists all over the world.
Sometimes, a museum also completes the art collection it displays by collaborating with other institutions. One of which is through cooperation with other museums which is often done to develop narrative research on artistic and cultural phenomena, as well as to complete a collection that will be shown to the public.
For example, Museum MACAN worked with the Jakarta Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics on a research process and contributed the important works of painter Sudjojono to complete the Indonesia historical narration on the “POSE” exhibition.
Museum MACAN also collaborated with the collectors of Agus Suwage’s works to complete the record of his journey in “The Theatre of Me” exhibition.
The sources and management of museum funds
Although we have only discussed one of its many governance needs, it is clear how complex the work of a museum can be. So, where do museums get funds when their focus is on distributing art knowledge, being non-profit and not doing any trade at all?
“We are a non-profit organisation, we don't work to make a profit. We need to have a sustainable programme, and yes, we need income too,” said Aaron.
“We have ticket sales, there is also philanthropy through patrons and membership programmes and also support from the foundation. But we also have a shop. While it is not part of the foundation and is a separate entity, the shop plays an important role in our sustainability model,” Aaron explained when asked about Museum MACAN's sources of funds.
By visiting and buying tickets to Museum MACAN, we not only enjoy the museum’s diverse works and programmes, but also support the sustainability of the museum, including its educational projects which continue to be developed and distributed to the general public, institutions and related communities.
The museum’s souvenir booth is also another source of income. Not only selling consignment products, Museum MACAN’s store also provides a variety of original products, including souvenirs made under collaboration with artists.
Museum MACAN's collaborations with artists are often carried out during exhibitions. The collaborative works are made not only as souvenirs for visitors, but also as a form of support for the fine arts ecosystem. Aaron reminded that in collaboration, the artist’s copyright on their works is fundamental. The museum ensures that the artists get their share.
“As a curator, I want to see that artists have sustainability as well. So, one of the things we do when we create merchandise is establish good relationships with artists, to make sure that things are managed properly. Something we hope others do as well is to recognise that artists have a sustainable right to their works,” Aaron explains.
The foundation that oversees Museum MACAN is also its main driving force. Other financial support is obtained from patrons and members of its membership programme which consists of art lovers.
So, what is a patron? Do they act like investors? Apparently not. Aaron explained that a patron is an art lover who provides financial support to the museum, fully based on their desire to support the process of art and culture education for all levels of society.
“They are not investors, and we don't treat them like investors. We regard them as art lovers and partners in the art world. Those who like to travel and support in many other forms, as philanthropists,” said Aaron.
Museums work, education spreads, support keeps flowing
The museum business prioritises the dissemination of art and cultural knowledge to the public, so what determines how well a museum performs is how far its programmes can educate and touch all levels of society.
The exchange of benefits for the sponsors also lies there. "When we talk about business, it doesn't have to have economic value, but about the importance of cultural values," said Aaron.
Museums do not seek profit from income, nor do they trade works. Aaron explained that a museum's budget is developed for research and distributing information to the public, and prioritises the artistic experience.
"This is done through communication, education and most importantly through the way a museum displays its works," he explained.
Museum MACAN Head of Communication Margaretha Untoro explained that museums also continue to strive to use relevant platforms for cross-generational audiences. A museum not only examines the language of the arts, but also the trends and styles of each generation it targets.
“Because the ideas of artists, museums and curators may be a bit too heavy for the general public to digest, for people who are not art performers or people who work in the art industry. So, they (the ideas) need to be simplified and the language made lighter, so that they are interested and willing to come to exhibitions,” said Margaretha, who is popularly known as Margie.
Aaron said the most basic awareness needed in running a museum is the widest possible imagination.
“We are always open to sharing information and sharing processes because we learn a lot through collaboration. But, I would say that you need to have imagination and curiosity and keep aiming for the common good."