By Emily Enfinger | The Selma Times-Journal

The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) and the Alabama State Council on The Arts will be hosting “Stronger Museums in Alabama’s Black Belt” workshop on Jan. 23.

The workshop will be held at Wallace Community College Selma in the Hank Sanders Technology Building from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

“It’s to help the museums to become stronger,” said Jo Taylor, arts programs director for BBCF.

BBCF is a nonprofit organization that services 12 counties stretching from Mississippi to Georgia. Its mission is to work with the residents within the Black Belt region to help improve their quality of life.

Taylor said the workshop is geared for those who work with museums whether it is by ownership, future ownership, management or more. She said this is the first of a two part workshop series; the second workshop will focus on operating and organizing festivals. It will also be held at the Hank Sanders Technology Building from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 30.

Enrollment is free, but participation is limited —only 25 can register for the workshop. A free lunch is also included with enrollment.

Topics of discussion include the dos and don’ts of running a museum, what information is needed to start a museum, how to use social media effectively, budgeting and an understanding of programing and how that applies to a museum.

Taylor said they have invited a diverse group of individuals to speak during the workshop.

“We’ve got people from across the state as well as local people who will be working with us,” Taylor said.

Speakers including James Lamb, Black Belt Museum director, Mark Driscoll, Driscoll Design and formerly of Alabama Historical Commission, and more.

Taylor said she has extended an invitation to many museums across the Black Belt region and believes the collaboration will benefit everyone.

“We are tying to pull as many of the museums across this area together… There’s something about working (in a group),” Taylor said. “A group seems to get more done than someone by themself.”

More details about the festival workshop will be announced at a later date.

For more information or to register for Stronger Museums in Alabama’s Black Belt workshop, email Taylor at jtaylor@blackbeltfound.org.