The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition for a museum. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. UMMA has been accredited since 1973.
All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review every 10 years to maintain accredited status.
“I am honored and delighted that UMMA has achieved this noteworthy recognition from AAM,” said Director Joseph Rosa. “The Museum’s exceptional track record in creating high-quality, engaging exhibitions and programs that inspire our audiences is made all the more successful by this reaccreditation. The hard work and dedication of the UMMA staff—during the reaccreditation process and beyond—regularly exemplify UMMA’s commitment to excellence. I could not be more thrilled.”
AAM Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for nearly 45 years, AAM’s museum accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation, and public accountability.
Of the nation’s nearly 17,500 museums, more than 1,000 are currently accredited. UMMA is one of only 37 museums accredited in Michigan.
Accreditation is a very rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation a museum first must conduct a year of self-study, then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, a panel of seven museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.
“The University of Michigan Museum of Art is a model of excellence in many areas, including collections stewardship, organizational health, education, and planning,” noted Burt Logan, Chair of the AAM Accreditation Committee. “The Museum is to be congratulated on the expansion of its physical facilities, increased fundraising success, and excellent educational offerings. UMMA is also commended for its inclusive strategic planning process and alignment of institutional mission between Museum departments and partners. The University deserves praise for its strong support of the Museum, as demonstrated by the excellent statement of support it provided with the Museum’s accreditation materials.
“UMMA is a great example of an academic museum fully embedded within the university.”