The Case for Holistic Intentionality

Abstract

Abstract Museums that strive for excellence by continually clarifying their purpose and realigning all practices and resources to achieve that purpose are operating holistically within a cycle of intentionality. Working within a cycle of intentionality means that a museum, among many other activities, carefully writes intentions that reflect and describe the essence of the museum and its unique value and potential impact. Intentions represent staff members' deepest passions and meld together their hopes and expectations with community needs. A museum that works within a cycle of intentionality has created an inclusive, process‐oriented infrastructure so it can write a purposeful mission and measurable intentions, and can demonstrate the value of the museum in people's lives and in its community through repeated assessment, while offering continuous learning opportunities for all staff.