Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) embarked on a transformative initiative with the launch of its bilingual website in 2022. This stride not only marked a significant milestone for the institution but also signaled a pivotal shift in the museum landscape toward greater inclusivity and accessibility. As the dynamics of bilingualism necessitate seamless operation in two languages, the need arose for the development of a comprehensive style guide in Spanish (ES). This guide serves as a blueprint to ensure coherence, precision, and cultural resonance across the museum, reaffirming our dedication to serving the community with excellence and respect.
Similar to meticulously curated exhibits, a style guide acts as a tool to address essential questions. These include: How should we refer to our institution, Pérez Art Museum Miami, or simply as PAMM? Which manual of style should we adhere to? Furthermore, this document serves as a guide through the nuances of bilingual content creation, such as determining which Spanish regional variant best aligns with our audience. And perhaps most crucially, what tone and voice should PAMM adopt to effectively engage with the Spanish-speaking audience—formal “usted” or informal “tú”?
Throughout the crafting of these guidelines, numerous topics warranted thorough consideration. These encompassed deliberations on voice and tone, the intricacies of editing, capturing the essence of the text, and the ultimate decision to embrace the Mexican Spanish variant. This decision was not made lightly; rather, it acknowledges the dynamic nature of language and its profound impact on communication.
At the core of this endeavor lies a deep appreciation for the diverse linguistic landscape of the Miami community. We recognize the imperative of ensuring that our online presence mirrors this rich tapestry of voices and perspectives. By doing so, we affirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive digital space that reflects and respects the vibrant diversity of our community.
My sincere thanks to everyone involved for their invaluable contributions to this project, including María Eugenia Hidalgo, Aída Cantú Artigas, Cynthia Selde, Abel González, PAMM’s Curatorial and Digital Engagement team.
