Local Museums Boost Attendance Through Community Outreach Programs

Reviving Museum Attendance Through Community Outreach

Post-pandemic challenges have left many museums grappling with declining visitor numbers. However, some institutions, like local art museums, are innovating by engaging potential visitors directly in their neighborhoods.

In an effort to boost attendance, the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) has taken its glassblowing demonstrations to the streets. The museum’s initiative involves bringing the art of glassblowing to local communities, sparking interest and inviting residents to visit the museum.

Anna Busse

Michigan Public

Kacey McCreery stands in front of the “Baby Dragon.”

The TMA’s mobile glass furnace, the “Baby Dragon”, is an essential part of these demonstrations. Capable of holding 40 pounds of molten glass, it attracts curiosity and wonder, especially from children. Kacey McCreery, a Community Engagement glass artist with 22 years of experience, leads these demonstrations.

“It’s one of the most amazing materials in the world,” McCreery explained. “It’s amazing that we can take it out into the community, bring glass to the public, and personally invite them back to the museum.”

Recently, the TMA showcased their glassblowing skills at the Toledo YMCA, where young spectators like Elysia and Eviana Stiger marveled at the transformation of molten glass into a pink flower.

Eviana and Elysia Stiger stand in front of the glassblowing demo space, smiling and holding up a peace sign. — Eviana and Elysia Stiger stand near the TMA’s “Baby Dragon” glassblowing demonstration.

Jessica Mack, TMA’s Community Outreach Manager, highlighted the expansion of their outreach programs beyond their initial two-mile radius. “The hope was that if we kept bringing the art museum to the community around us, that then in turn, they would start visiting the museum,” she stated.

Breaking Down Barriers to Museum Visits

Adam Levine, TMA’s director, acknowledged that museums can seem daunting to new visitors. Yet, consistent community presence helps dismantle this perception. “Now the museum doesn’t seem so intimidating,” Levine remarked.

Since reopening post-pandemic, TMA has seen an increase from 6% to over 22% in local visitor attendance. Overall, their visitor numbers have surged from 83,633 to 131,733 between 2020 and 2025.

Mae Womack, who attended the YMCA event with her children, referred to the museum as a “hidden jewel.” She plans to enroll her children in TMA’s summer programs, emphasizing the importance of accessible community resources.

Community involvement extends beyond entertainment, according to Mack. “This is passion. This is heart. This is a family that we’ve built in this community.”

Emphasizing Museums as Community Resources

The Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) has adopted a similar approach, offering free art classes to K-12 students. Matthew Osmon, FIA’s Director of Education, stressed the importance of passion in education. “Students are always hungry for that kind of thing,” he noted.

Matthew Osmon leans down to instruct Isaac Vasquez on the drawing of his design. — Matthew Osmon instructs Isaac Vasquez on a design drawing.

Isaac Vasquez, a regular attendee of FIA’s Thursday classes, expressed his enthusiasm for art. “I just like art… It just is fun to do,” he shared. The availability of free classes makes a significant impact on students like Vasquez.

FIA’s outreach efforts also seek to dismantle preconceived notions about museums being exclusive spaces. Rebekah Mikkelson, FIA’s Special Projects and Outreach Coordinator, emphasized the importance of making museums feel inviting and accessible.

Adam Levine, TMA director, summed up the sentiment: “Museums are a wellness resource. People are looking for ways to get out and find connection.”