Redefining Museums: Curatorial Theory and Practice for a New Era

Duration: June 13 – July 11, 2024
Fee: 189€
Max seats: 30
Enroll before: June 9, 2024
Live sessions: 2 hours/week

In 2022, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) changed the definition of a museum to be an “accessible and inclusive” institution “in the service of society”. This new definition focuses on the ethics and participation of communities with the aim of “education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing”.

This course will explore these new transformations in contemporary museum practices and critically address what might be expected of such institutions in the future.

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, ethical sponsorship debates, as well as working relationships within the institutional culture.

We will also 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 newly established definition of museums, as well as provide insights into the curatorial challenges and dynamics that new models may hold.

This course is for curators and individuals interested in working with museums. 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.