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EPISODE · Sep 15, 2025 · 29 MIN

Balancing Purpose and Profit in Museum Learning

from Museum Buzz

Social enterprise—using business strategies to achieve social goals—is common in the nonprofit world but newer to museums. Ian Ellard, Head of the V&A Academy at the Victoria and Albert Museum, sees an opportunity for museums to break free of old models with this approach. We dive deep into what social enterprise actually means, what it looks like in a museum context, and explore the nuances of using business strategies and financial success to support the public value of a museum. Plus, hear how ancient Greek wisdom can help solve modern online learning challenges.      

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Balancing Purpose and Profit in Museum Learning

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PMA: Sculpture Garden - Art Tours Philadelphia Museum of Art The Sculpture,Garden presents a superb and versatile outdoor setting for the appreciation of art, offering a lively experience of sculpture for both the casual passerby and devoted art lovers. Gracefully integrated into the existing landscape, the Sculpture,Garden extends the Museum’s vast galleries to the outdoors while strengthening the Museum’s connections to the city and Fairmount Park. Its pathways and vistas, green space, and water feature create a variety of spaces for art while maintaining an open setting that invites Philadelphia’s public to explore a new expression of the Museum’s goal to make more art available to an ever-growing audience. Talks Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Browse through our selection of lectures and talks by Friday Gallery Talks, In Conversation, and Meet the Artist. Wild Virginia Old Dominion Eco Buzz Wild Virginia Wild Virginia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting and connecting your favorite wild places. Through partnerships with other environmental advocacy groups we:We educate citizens, landowners, and other stakeholders about threats to our forests through hikes, outings and events.We advocate for the connectivity and integrity of Virginia’s forests and waters.We influence decision makers by mobilizing citizens like you. Service and Sacrifice Exhibit Audio Tour JFK Presidential Library and Museum This audio tour accompanies the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum’s special exhibit Service and Sacrifice: World War II - A Shared Experience. It is meant to be listened to while visiting the exhibit.

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This episode is 29 minutes long.

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This episode was published on September 15, 2025.

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Social enterprise—using business strategies to achieve social goals—is common in the nonprofit world but newer to museums. Ian Ellard, Head of the V&A Academy at the Victoria and Albert Museum, sees an opportunity for museums to break free of old...

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