Our Shared Sky: Building Collaborations to Engage Our Communities and Diversify Planetarium Programs

Presentation theme: inclusion diversity equity accessibility

Planetarium theaters aren’t just spaces to communicate science. They are also spaces to foster inclusivity and cultural awareness. To reach this goal, planetarians are encouraged to develop meaningful, long-lasting partnerships in their communities. I will share three approaches we have used at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Planetarium to build such partnerships as part of our »Our Shared Sky« series. First, we co-created content with six Indigenous nations of Wisconsin for the program »Indigenous Voices: Sharing the Wisconsin Sky«. Second, we invited African American community leaders and artists to present in the planetarium as well as African alumni, faculty, staff, and students to share cultural perspectives and experiences. Third, we worked with student and community Muslim associations to highlight the many important Islamic connections to the sky. These partnerships build over time and are wonderful ways to grow both professionally and personally.

Image © Arena Berlin