Conversations on Dress: As Seen at Symposium
"Paradigm Shifts in Museum Stewardship Practices: An African Case Study"
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
7:00 pm Eastern/4:00 pm Pacific
Exclusively for CSA Members

We are bringing back one of this year’s most dynamic Symposium sessions for a second round of insight and discussion. “Paradigm Shifts in Museum Stewardship Practices: An African Case Study,” by Rachel Tu and Allison Hewitt of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, shows how the acquisition of an African costume and textiles collection launched an overall change in collection stewardship practices, prioritizing relationship-centered community partnerships, oftentimes over object-centered preservation needs.

After an introduction by CSA Vice President Education & Programs Monica Sklar, attendees will watch a recording of the original presentation while Rachel and Allison join live in the chat to respond to questions and offer behind-the-scenes insights. Following the screening, the session will shift to an open discussion, with both presenters and attendees coming on camera to engage directly in conversation.

This members-only offering is ideal for those who missed the live event or who are eager to dive deeper into the dialogue.

Associate Collections and Installation Manager for Costume and Textiles at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Rachel Tu brings a multidisciplinary background in anthropology, theatre design, and costume studies to her work. She has led major initiatives including LACMA’s collection move and contributes to exhibition planning across departments. Her previous roles include research assistant on the Brooklyn Museum’s Mellon Costume Documentation Project and content coordinator for traveling exhibitions at the American Museum of Natural History.

Art Preparator for LACMA’s Costume and Textiles collection, Allison Hewitt combines technical expertise with curatorial insight. She holds an MFA in Costume Design and Technology, a BFA in Theatre Design, and a certificate in Collections Management. An Ovation and LADCC award-winning designer, she continues to work in Los Angeles theatre and film. At LACMA, she focuses on the housing and research of African costumes and textiles, contributing to the Museum’s Culturally Informed Stewardship Program.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event.
If you missed the deadline, email conversationsondress@costumesocietyamerica.com.

Images from left to right:
Rachel Tu
Collections staff examining a Ncak (skirt) after research showed possible inaccuracies in the original documentation. Ncak (skirt), Kuba culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, early to mid-twentieth century, (M.2015.152.92)
Allison Hewitt