Towards a New Definition of Museums: Curatorial Theory and Practice

with Hesperia Iliadou-Suppiej

The course will give an overview of contemporary museum practice for curators with a focus on potential new definitions of museums and the issues that need to be considered in current times of transition.

Moving from the foundational definitions of what museums are and do in relation to curatorial practice, the course will explore critical contemporary topics such as decolonization of exhibitions, gender representation and ethical sponsorship debates within the institutional culture. We will discuss social engagement strategies and participatory outreach programmes, curating socially engaged art, community collaboration and co-creation of exhibitions using digital platforms.

Drawing on the history of the development of museums from the early collections to the contemporary multi-faceted institutions that we are familiar with today, the course concludes with a re-evaluation of the definition of museums. We will critically address what might be expected of such institutions in the future, as well as provide insights into the curatorial challenges and dynamics that new models may hold.

The classes draw on both historic and contemporary case studies from civic museums to private art foundations within an international context. We will take a practical and interactive approach, with exercises each week and a workshop-like discussion in the final session.

About Hesperia Iliadou-Suppiej

Hesperia was the Curator of the Malta National Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale of 2019. She has been acting Commissioner for the Venice Biennale since 2014 and Curator of the Inaugural Exhibition for the European Capital of Culture 2017. A professor in the History of Art and a Museum Studies specialist, educated at the University of London, the Sotheby’s Institute of Art, the City University of Hong Kong and the Research Centre for Museums and Galleries, at the University of Leicester, she has taught in numerous international academic institutions. She is a member of the International Council of Museums and the only woman elected in the Europa Nostra IEH committee, focusing on museum and gallery spaces within heritage buildings. She is currently teaching at the MA in Curatorial Practice in Florence.

Photo by Kevin Woblick