Everson Museum launches new program celebrating diversity

This article was originally published on Syracuse.com on April 22, 2019. Read the full article HERE.

Becoming an inclusive, diverse, and accessible museum is vital to the Everson’s mission. A new program, “Meet Me at the Everson” is designed for new Americans, refugee communities, and those who support them. This free event featured art making activities, docent guided gallery exploration, and food from With Love. The Everson debuted gallery guides in different languages including Mandarin, Arabic, Somali, and French. Meet Me at the Everson will be an annual event.

“We hope that everyone finds themselves at home at the Everson. This is a great opportunity for neighbors to come together and enjoy a shared Museum experience,” said Liz Bryson Outreach Coordinator.

This summer the Everson will offer audio tours and family guides in Spanish, making the Everson even more welcoming and accessible. In December the Everson hosts “Engaging Neighbors” during the Festival of Trees. The Everson has also partnered with Onondaga County to hold Naturalization Ceremonies in their newly renovated auditorium.

In honor of this new event, the Everson is offering free family memberships to newly naturalized U.S. Citizens. Bring your Naturalization Certificate to the Everson to sign up.

Meet Me at the Everson reflects the Museum’s First and Forever Campaign slogan: For Artists. For Community. For Everyone. This program is just one way the Everson addresses diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

In 2018 the Museum launched a series of classes and tours for populations with special needs including partnerships with ARISE, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Kelberman Center. In 2019, the Museum is working to introduce special tours and hours for visitors with sensory issues.

“The Everson is for everyone and we strive to be a place where the community gathers for discussion, to learn and grow. Whether through outreach to immigrant and refugee communities, or special programming for visitors with disabilities, we are working to better serve the needs of our entire community,” said Elizabeth Dunbar, Everson Director & CEO.