Mia is the first museum in the United States to be recognized as a Certified Age-Friendly Employer by the Age Friendly Institute, which identifies great places to work for people over 50. To receive the recognition, Mia underwent a rigorous evaluation of its staff policies, benefits, and training, including recruitment and retention efforts.

“This certification underscores our active and ongoing commitment to employees over 50 as part of an intergenerational workplace,” says Virajita Singh, Mia’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. “We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment that not only values diversity but champions the professional growth and well-being of our staff.”

To further serve these employees, Mia staff have organized an Age Friendly Workgroup to advise the ongoing refinement of museum policies and outreach. This commitment is also reflected in Mia’s public programs. Vitality Arts, for instance, begun in 2022 with funding from E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, offers art workshops to people over 55—a social, emotional, and physical outlet as well as an artistic opportunity.

The Age-Friendly Institute, which is based in Massachusetts, reviews its certifications every two years to ensure the policies and practices are still in place. More than 200 employers across the country have received the certification, including the city of Minneapolis and Hennepin County.