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Welcome!
I'm Luis Cortes, a passionate museum professional dedicated to advancing resources, amplifying cultural representation, fostering inclusion, and enhancing visibility in the museum and nonprofit industry. Over the past decade, I've committed to making museums accessible and meaningful to all, concentrating on merging development and marketing to maximize reach and impact, efficiently allocate resources, and ensure long-term sustainability. I focus on the overarching strategy in this ever-evolving museum landscape while meticulously attending to every detail. This comprehensive approach ensures that museums I collaborate with not only reach their goals but also gain optimal public relations exposure.
As the Director of the Office of the President at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), I played a pivotal role in the museum's evolution. I spearheaded MOLAA's diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) initiative, transforming it into a more empathetic and inclusive space, helping it secure eligibility for state and federal grants, and leading to an influx of grant support. The transformative impact of this initiative was recognized with a 10-year reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums in February 2022.
Throughout my career, I've successfully helped secure more than $38 million in fundraising revenue. My tenure as Associate Director of Advancement at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (FWMSH) was particularly impactful—I managed the Capital Campaign and raised over $20 million. Later at MOLAA, my strategic and creative fundraising solutions—always informed by DEAI principles—significantly increased the museum's funding and paved the way for program expansion and broader outreach. Most recently, alongside the Museum's Development team, I was instrumental in securing a $10 million budget allocation from the State government for MOLAA's expansion project.
But it's not all about fundraising; I also have a passion for marketing. At the FWMSH, I led the museum's reopening campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding its visibility and social media presence while increasing membership, even amidst challenging circumstances.
Cultural representation is crucial to me—I've contributed significantly to this aspect by founding the Fort Worth Museum's Heritage Gallery, a unique exhibition space that celebrates diverse cultures and communities. Additionally, I've curated several exhibitions that feature marginalized and underrepresented stories; among these are the "Dia de Los Muertos," "Hispanic Heritage," "Opal Lee," and "Changemaker's: Local Women, Global Impact" exhibitions at the FWMSH, these exhibits underlined the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among our community and led to an increase in visitorship to the Museum.
I approach my work strategically, ensuring each task aligns with the end goal. This approach has consistently transformed museums into vibrant community hubs, expanded institutional influence, and fostered creative learning environments. My dedication to discovering and attracting resources drives my work and reflects my commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth within the museum sector. Please feel free to contact me to learn more!
Strong marketing strategies have the power to amplify a museum's reach and standing. My approach emphasizes more than just visibility; it fosters meaningful connections. Every campaign, project, and initiative aims to make museums more engaging and impactful, one story at a time.
Emphasizing diverse stories through curation and exhibit design, I create spaces that inspire, educate, and resonate with global communities. This section highlights my curatorial and exhibit design projects and dedication to shaping inclusive and transformative museum experiences.
Here, you'll find an array of services, from crafting compelling publications, grants, and precise English-Spanish translations to providing lectures and consultations on development, DEAI, and cultural sensitivity issues.
A brief selection of written works. I share thoughts, experiences, and insights on the world of museums, nonprofits, and cultural inclusivity.
This section includes in-depth articles on museum development and DEAI strategies, as well as lighthearted blogs on the art of marketing and lessons learned in my professional career.
2015 – Current, American Alliance of Museums
2018 - Current, AAM Latino Professional Network
2016 - Current, Texas Association of Museums
2020 - Current, California Association of Museums
Copyright © 2023 Luis P. Cortes - All Rights Reserved.
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