The university of wisconsin-madison will investigate museum and library practitioners' approaches to play-based programs and spaces and CO-design and implement professional development materials…

The University of Wisconsin-Madison received a $352,799 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the National Leadership Grants for Museums (CFDA 45.312) program. The project will investigate museum and library practitioners' approaches to play-based programs and spaces, and co-design and implement professional development materials focusing on equity, assessment, and advocacy. The project team will conduct a literature review, interviews, and convene a community of practice in Wisconsin to better understand supporting play in these institutions. They will then recruit additional museum and library partners across the U.S. to test and refine the co-designed materials. The project will result in a diversity audit tool for practitioners to examine their play programs and spaces, as well as a typology of existing play offerings in museums and libraries, with a focus on children ages 0-12. The grant period runs from August 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026.

The university of wisconsin-madison will investigate museum and library practitioners' approaches to play-based programs and spaces and CO-design and implement professional development materials focusing on equity, assessment, and advocacy for use in museums and libraries. The project team will conduct a literature review and interviews; convene a community of practice of museums and libraries in three diverse wisconsin locations to better understand supporting play in their institutions and CO-design materials; and recruit museums and library partners in other parts of the U.S. To test and refine the materials. The project will result in a a diversity audit tool for practitioners to examine their play programs and spaces for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging considerations, as well as a typology of existing play offerings focused on the forms, purposes, materials, and theoretical underpinnings of play that are supported in museums and libraries, with a specific focus on play offerings for children ages 0-12.