Reposted from Art Sentry

The 2024 outlook leaves little doubt that for many museums, it’s not a matter of whether protest activity will occur at their site but when. Here are some things to consider in preparing your museum to address these kinds of incidents safely:

• Train security not to allow protesters to publicize activities. Clear galleries to limit what is being filmed/posted so that real or perceived danger to the museum’s collection cannot become a hook to generate publicity.
  
  
• Press charges when necessary, so that future protest/activist groups understand the consequences of behaving unsafely or causing harm. 
  
  
• Coordinate your response plan with local police and other cultural properties in your area. Coordinate internally with staff responsible for security, visitor services, accessibility, collections care, and communications. A unified approach is the safest and strongest. 
  
  
• Do not attempt to arrest or physically remove protesters. Wait for the police. 

When museums are caught up in the currents of civil unrest, awareness and proper preparation can minimize any negative impacts without hindering their mission of engaging with their community. 

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