Shifting from 'inside-out' to 'outside in': envisioning ways of structurally integrating participatory principles in museums

Susanne Boersma, Cassandra Kist, Franziska Mucha, Inge Zwart, Maria Economou

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

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Abstract

Participatory museum work often starts from a contributory logic, following objectives and predominantly securing outcomes that are a priority for the institution. However, the lessons learned from participatory practices rarely feed back into the internal workings of the organisation. While existing studies have examined participation in museums, assessing how it might democratise the institution or increase the institution’s relevance, the fundamental principles for participatory practices are not yet sufficiently integrated ‘on the ground’. This co-authored chapter draws on four different research projects on participatory museum work to envision an institution where participatory principles are structurally integrated. It builds on rich materials from empirical ethnographic and case-study research across Europe and North America, to assess four principles that underpin participation: non-hierarchical collaboration, personal connections, transparency, and reflective practice. Based on studying these principles in practice, the chapter suggests ways in which they can be applied to the behind-the-scenes of museum work, such as the day-to-day practices, roles of practitioners, and the underlying museum infrastructures. Rather than relying on participants to ‘work on’ the institution, this chapter sets out to re-imagine the museum transformed from ‘inside-out’ by structurally integrating these participatory principles.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFuture Memory Practices
Subtitle of host publicationAcross Institutions, Communities, and Modalities
EditorsGertraud Koch, Rachel Charlotte Smith
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherTaylor and Francis Ltd.
Chapter2
Pages23-39
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9781040150733
ISBN (Print)9781032597324
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Oct 2024

Keywords

  • participatory museums
  • museums
  • future museums

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