Frequently Asked Questions
Can VAM help me find a job?
Does VAM advocate on behalf of individual museums in Virginia?
Do I need to be a VAM member in order to participate in programs?
Does VAM have a resource library I can use?
Does VAM give out grants?
Can VAM come and talk to my museum?
Can VAM help me start a museum?
Can a museum advertise in your quarterly VAM Voice newsmagazine or monthly E-Newsletter Forum?
Will VAM publicize my museum’s events and exhibitions?
What is the best way to go about getting a topic that I am interested in on VAM’s schedule for the Annual Conference or workshops?
How are VAM’s program and conference session topics determined?
How do I get more involved with VAM?
Can I get an article published in the VAM Voice newsmagazine?
Can I visit the VAM offices?
Can I get back copies of the VAM Voice quarterly newsmagazine?
How do I determine my institution’s membership level?
Can VAM help me find a job?
VAM offers a number of career-related services to members. The online job board helps you find current job listings in museums throughout the state and elsewhere. If you are new to the museum/arts community or just starting your career in the field, we offer informational interviews and resume review assistance. If you find yourself between jobs we offer the Members-in-Transition program which makes sure you stay connected to the community when you need it most.
Does VAM advocate on behalf of individual museums in Virginia?
VAM follows guidelines set by the VAM Advocacy Policy and serves as an advocate for all museums including historical, science, arts and cultural institutions in Virginia and the District of Columbia. VAM’s advocacy efforts are directed at issues that affect the museum community as a whole.
Do I need to be a VAM member in order to participate in programs?
While VAM membership does provide you with discounts on programs and events along with a variety of other benefits, you are welcome to attend VAM’s professional development programs as a non-member. Some regional networking events are specifically for members.
Does VAM have a resource library I can use?
The VAM Resource Library contains nearly 1,000 titles on subjects including administration, management, collections care, grant writing, strategic planning and board issues as well as a computer station wired to the internet. The Library is housed in our main office in Richmond. Members are welcome to come and use the numerous books and periodicals found in the library. Because the Resource Library is not a lending library we ask that materials be read and utilized on site. You may make a limited number of photocopies if there is information you need to take back with you. Please call 804.788.5820 before visiting so we may ensure someone will be available to assist you.
Does VAM give out grants?
Because VAM is not a granting agency, we do not distribute funds to museums or other organizations. We can, however, talk with members about the best places to look for grant funding. Grantwriting workshops are also frequently offered in our annual workshop series.
Can VAM come and talk to my museum?
VAM frequently counsels members with questions about topics ranging from starting a museum or working with boards, to navigating grant opportunities. We’ll try to answer any question you have and if we can’t we’ll do our best to find someone who can. Consultation with members usually takes place over the phone or during office visits, but arrangements can be made to have VAM staff meet with you at your museum.
Can VAM help me start a museum?
VAM is happy to speak with you about the steps needed to get a museum started; we have also put together a resource packet that helps guide members through some of the essentials in the process. To request a packet contact us at 804.788.5820.
Can a museum advertise in your quarterly VAM Voice newsmagazine or monthly E-Newsletter Forum?
Absolutely! If you have a special event or project or just a great looking ad that you would like to share with your colleagues, advertising in the VAM newsmagazine or e-newsletter gives you a big splash for very little money. Advertising is a great way to reach a targeted group of nearly 1,000 museum professionals. Ad rates start as low as $50. Contact Heather Widener, our communications director, to request prices, availability, and specifications.
Will VAM publicize my museum’s events and exhibitions?
There are a couple of ways Institutional Members publicize events through VAM. VAM’s on-line exhibition and event calendar is a great way to publicize your event and reach a targeted audience. Hundreds visit VAM’s calendar each week and our members regularly visit the calendar to post events themselves by filling in easy to use forms. A monthly e-newsletter containing museum news, information on grants, awards and the comings and goings of our colleagues is e-mailed to all members the first of each month. Be sure that VAM's communications director, Heather Widener, is on your distribution list for any news and press releases. Contact Heather with any questions.
What is the best way to go about getting a topic that I am interested in on VAM’s schedule for the Annual Conference or workshops?
For conference sessions the best way is to fill out a Session Proposal form and send it in; request for proposals are sent out each summer to members. Conference sessions are selected directly from session proposals submitted by members, so your input is crucial! We serve our members best if we know what they’d like to see at our conferences and workshops and the best way to make VAM aware of those topics is by letting us know. If there is a workshop topic you want to see offered email Jennifer Thomas, our program director, and let her know. Programs are scheduled up to a year in advance so turn your forms in early; the proposal submission deadline is August 1 each year.
How are VAM’s program and conference session topics determined?
Workshop topics are selected based on the workshop committee’s meeting held in late spring each year. All VAM members are invited to this meeting and your input is welcome. The committee uses past workshop and conference evaluation forms to determine the most-requested topics for consideration. Conference session topics are selected from among proposals, including those submitted by members, by the Conference Program Committee. The committee meets in August every year to review dozens of proposals to determine which sessions will be offered at the next year’s conference; all members are invited to attend the meeting. For more information, contact Jennifer Thomas.
How do I get more involved with VAM?
There are several ways to become more involved in VAM. If you are interested in helping shape future programs, you can join a committee such as the conference program committee and local arrangements committee or attend a workshop planning meeting. Committees help with workshop topics, conference sessions, and local arrangements for the conference. If you would like to speak or present at a VAM program, you are welcome to fill out a session proposal form for the annual conference. Forms are sent out each summer. If you would like to serve as a mentor or lend your expertise in our Technical Assistance program for museums and museum staff, watch for updates on these programs, or contact Jennifer Thomas, our program director.
Can I get an article published in the VAM Voice newsmagazine?
Articles may be submitted for review and possible placement in the newsmagazine. We also welcome suggestions for newsmagazine articles. If you have a topic to suggest or article to submit please contact Heather Widener, communications director, for details.
Can I visit the VAM offices?
We welcome member visits to the VAM office! If you would like to stop by and see us, we are located in downtown Richmond at 200 South Third Street. Office hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Please call 804.788.5820 before visiting.
Can I get back copies of the VAM Voice quarterly newsmagazine?
Back copies of the VAM Voice are available in .pdf version at [INSERT LINK]. If in stock, print copies of back issues are available to members at no charge and to non-members for $1.00 per issue plus shipping. The summer issue is published only to the web. To order back issues contact Heather Widener.
How do I determine my institution’s membership level?
As with many membership organizations, the dues structure for institutional members is based on operating budget - total expenses of the organization for the year. Don't forget to include salaries, rent, utilities, maintenance and other costs even if absorbed by a parent institution (i.e., college or university run museums and galleries, museums or historical societies funded under county or city government, park system sites, etc.). For questions about different types or levels of membership, contact us at 804.788.5820.