How does a culturally specific arts organization adapt to changing demographics in order to more effectively engage and serve contemporary audiences that are increasingly multiethnic? Witnessing dramatic shifts in its audience demographics over the past 25 years, the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) has grappled with this question. One out of every three Japanese Americans is now multiracial, and increasingly audiences are no longer identifying themselves simply by ethnic or racial categories as they had in the past.

At a time when self-identity is playing a significant role not only in how people see themselves but also in how they view their relationship with museums and cultural centers, there are no simple solutions for how organizations — regardless of institution size, focus, budget, or geographic location — can ensure the relevancy of their programming and their long-term sustainability.