Spring 2004 Update

Other Task Force stories:

La Rueda Heads Across the Border

Learning from Tragedy

 New Yorkers Plan Fall Forum
The first meeting of the New York Forum Planning Committee took place March 11 at the Society of Illustrators. The committee is co-chaired by Dale Gregory, Gallery Director of the American Folk Art Museum, and David Ward, Director of Operations for the City Center Theater Foundation. The group includes representatives from Chubb Insurance, Columbia University Libraries, The Jewish Museum, Museum of Modern Art, New York Municipal Archives, New York Public Library, and the New York City Office of Emergency Management.

The New Yorkers expect to make a unique contribution to the series of Alliance for Response Forums. The central theme will be "Building Relationships," particularly in three areas that are essential to effective disaster planning, mitigation, and response:

  • Cultural institutions and first responder agencies. Museums, libraries, and archives need to know more about these key resources in their communities; emergency services need to understand institutional priorities and the fragile nature of collections.
  • Collections care professionals and facilities managers. A clearer understanding of needs and responsibilities will lead to more effective partnerships during and after emergencies.
  • Operations and risk management departments. Improved communications between these divisions can provide new impetus for disaster planning and improve the way institutions identify risk and set priorities.

As with the other forums, the New York event will be a one-day, invitation-only meeting. The committee will select a venue and fall date for the forum at its next planning meeting in April.