Become an Impact Visitor at the Weisman Art Museum!
Are you planning your first-ever visit to the Weisman? Maybe you're a seasoned regular, or someone who pops in from time to time when you're on the U of M campus. WAM is participating in a nation-wide research study on the Measurement of Museum Social Impact (MOMSI), and we need your input. This study defines social impact as the effect of an activity on the social fabric of a community and the wellbeing of the individuals and families who live there. In short, we're hoping to engage a select few visitors in helping to co-create how art shapes us—and how you shape the art-focused spaces we all inhabit.
Here's what being an Impact Visitor at the Weisman looks like:
- Make 3 Impact Visits
Come to the Weisman Art Museum three times—feel free to bring friends or family members—and simply experience the museum however makes sense to you. Engage with art in the galleries and check out what else we have to offer: self-guided tours or free art-making activities in Open Studio.
- Share What Moved You
After your third visit, we'll send you a 30-minute survey to complete. We want to hear how your museum visits landed for you—what sparked curiosity, reflection, or connection?
- Need Accommodations? ✋
If you need accommodations during your visit, like large-print, multilingual translation of gallery materials, assistive listening devices, stools, sensory kits, etc we're happy to help! If you don't have internet access or a device to complete the survey, we can arrange for a computer and a quiet space.
- Your Insight Matters
Some of your feedback might find its way into reports or publications but always anonymously. We will never publish your personal information. Your valuable insight will help shape the way our museum fosters community and connection.
- No Pressure
Participation is 100% voluntary—if you can't make all the visits, just let us know so that we can ask someone else to fill in.
- Thank You
Admission to the Weisman is always free but as a token of our appreciation, you’ll receive some fun WAM merch, as our gift to you, during the course your participation in this study. You'll also receive a Metro Transit day pass or validated parking (for your three Impact Visits) to the Art Museum Garage located directly underneath WAM.
If you're interested in applying to participate in this opportunity, please fill out the survey below and we'll be in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected timeline to participate in this study?
Visitor Recruitment: Open through December 31, 2025
Notification of Acceptance into Study: Within two weeks of completion of the recruitment form
Study Open Period: From September 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026
What is expected of participants?
Participants are asked to visit the same museum three times and then complete a social impact survey. The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. You will be asked about your experience at the museum and to respond to prompts that measure social impact.
What are the incentives to participate?
Admission to the Weisman is always free but as a token of our appreciation, you’ll receive some fun WAM merch, as our gift to you, during the course your participation in this study. You'll also receive a Metro Transit day pass or validated parking (for your three Impact Visits) to the Art Museum Garage located directly underneath WAM.
I completed a visit to the museum. Where do I find the survey?
You will only complete the social impact survey one time, and it will be emailed to you about two weeks after your third and final visit as part of this project or when we close the study on May 31, 2026, whichever comes first.
When will I receive the social impact survey?
We ask that you visit the museum three times. Shortly after your third visit (estimated two weeks), you will receive an email from our team with a link to the survey.
I can no longer visit the museum three times. Can I still participate in the study?
We understand life events happen. If you were able to visit the museum at least one time, our team will send you a link to the social impact survey.