When I first arrived at the Georgia Museum of Art in the summer of 2023, I was delighted by all the good work that had already been done and even more excited by all that was yet to come. But I also knew that to continue achieving great things, we would need to take a cue from the students around us. In a university environment, one is fortunate to be surrounded by learners. Students are a constant source of inspiration. Their curiosity and drive serve as a tangible reminder of the importance of continuous learning. Although young undergraduates are at the beginning of their adult learning journeys, those of us who have spent more time in our fields would do well to remember the joys and challenges that come with learning and growth. Continuous learning — a lifelong commitment to curiosity and self- improvement — is essential in today’s rapidly evolving world, particularly in higher education and museum work. It fosters innovation, adaptability and openness to change, qualities that help us meet new challenges with creativity and confidence. At its core, continuous learning deepens our understanding of the world and of ourselves, encouraging critical thinking and resilience. By embracing this mindset, we ensure that growth does not end with formal education but continues throughout our lives. At the museum, we strive to embody this spirit of continuous learning in everything we do. For us, it means deepening our understanding of ourselves, finding the best ways to
engage those who already connect with us and discovering how to reach and welcome new audiences in the future. To that end, we commissioned several studies to better understand what our students and community members think about our exhibitions, teaching and public programs. The insights we’ve gained are already shaping how we approach our work — and they remind us that learning, reflection and adaptation are at the heart of meaningful progress. • You greatly appreciate free admission, especially during tough economic times. • You’re hungry for real knowledge and in-person experiences. • Access to art from different time periods, genres and cultures is critical. • You’re not all the same. Some of you want to visit on weekends, with your families. Others prefer to wander on weekday afternoons, by themselves. You want a variety of experiences at different times and on different days. Some of these points may seem obvious, but we don’t get this data unless we ask, and it will inform our strategic planning process as we get ready for reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums this year. Thank you for sharing with us and helping us continue to learn. David Odo Director
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