Museum Membership Innovation: Unlocking Ideas for Audience Engagement and Sustainable Revenue

Drawing from a wide range of research spanning the disciplines of behavioral economics, philanthropy, and social psychology, Museum Membership Innovation explores the trends shaping the future of cultural organizations and offers innovative strategies designed to help them survive—and thrive—in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.

About the Author

 

Rosie Siemer is an expert in museum audience development and membership strategy.

Although her expertise is rooted in more than a decade of research, education, and field experience, she possesses a unique understanding of what makes museum geeks tick because she is a museum geek—she has visited more than ninety museums in twelve countries (and counting!).

Rosie’s passion for enhancing and promoting the museum experience inspired her to launch FIVESEED, a research and strategy partner to arts and culture and conservation organizations worldwide. Under Rosie’s leadership, FIVESEED has guided dozens of museums in the development and execution of data-informed strategies that deepen audience engagement and build long-term financial sustainability. She has provided consulting services to a number of internationally respected cultural organizations, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Museum of Science Boston, Saint Louis Art Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, Space Center Houston, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, History Colorado, Mt. Cuba Center, and the Murphy Arts District.

Rosie also co-authored Membership Marketing in the Digital Age, a comprehensive resource guide for cultural membership professionals. When she’s not researching, writing, or museum hopping, Rosie enjoys Scotch-tasting and watching sci-fi movies.

  • “The title of the book refers to membership. But it’s so much more than membership. This is the only book I’m aware of that touches on every part of the visitor journey at a museum; it’s the most comprehensive audience engagement resource available…I cannot underestimate the necessity of this book for anyone in the museum field.”

    — Kristin Prestegaard, Chief Engagement Officer, Minneapolis Institute of Art

  • “A thoroughly researched and comprehensive look at the current challenges facing museum membership programs. Siemer is clear that there is no one solution but provides an essential tool kit for membership professionals and museum leaders to reimagine and reinvent business models for engaging audiences in the 21st century.”

    — Aidan Vega, Director of Membership, Philadelphia Museum of Art

  • “Siemer’s book adds a critical intellectual lens to practical aspects of membership, validating and extending many incipient ideas museum professionals in the field have, while also offering important considerations on how the field is changing. This book can have wide-ranging impact on the ways that museums allocate money and staffing and in turn impact our visitors.”

    — Seema Rao, Principal, Brilliant Idea Studio, LLC

  • “We need to find a way forward in membership. Rosie provides practical steps and lots of tangible examples to get you started. You’ve gotta read this book!”

    — Megan Bernard, Assistant Director of Membership, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

  • “Thought-provoking and timely. This book made me see ideas for membership in a different light.”

    — John Lewis, Director of Guest Operations, Zoo New England

  • “A fascinating read and loaded with actionable insights.”

    — Carrie Glassburn, Cultural Director, Town of Parker