Museum Metamorphosis: Cultivating Change Through Cultural Citizenship

This book offers tools to dismantle institutional hierarchies and reshape museums into more vital and relevant forms through curated roundtables, case studies, and interviews with cultural innovators and changemakers in contemporary art.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: American Association of Museums

This book is a groundbreaking exploration of the transformative power of contemporary art in dismantling institutional hierarchies and reshaping museums into more vital and relevant forms. Through a series of curated roundtables, in-depth case studies, and engaging interviews with cultural innovators and changemakers, the book offers a wealth of tools and insights for those seeking to challenge the status quo and create a more equitable and inclusive cultural landscape.

The first chapter delves into the historical context of museums and their role in perpetuating institutional power structures. It highlights the ways in which museums have been used to reinforce dominant narratives, marginalize certain voices, and exclude marginalized communities from the art world. The authors argue that this legacy of exclusion and marginalization must be addressed if museums are to become more relevant and meaningful to contemporary society.

The second chapter explores the role of contemporary art in challenging these hierarchies and reshaping museums. It highlights the ways in which artists are using their work to question traditional notions of authority, power, and identity, and to create spaces for dialogue and collaboration. The authors argue that contemporary art has the potential to transform museums into dynamic and responsive institutions that reflect the diverse communities they serve.

The third chapter focuses on specific case studies of museums that have successfully dismantled institutional hierarchies and reshaped their institutions. It showcases the strategies and approaches used by these museums, including community engagement, participatory programming, and collaborative exhibitions. The authors argue that these case studies provide valuable lessons for other museums seeking to transform their institutions and create a more inclusive and equitable cultural landscape.

The fourth chapter explores the challenges and barriers that remain in the way of institutional transformation. It highlights the resistance from traditional museum stakeholders, including curators, collectors, and board members, who may be hesitant to embrace change. The authors argue that these challenges must be overcome through education, advocacy, and collaboration, and that museums must be willing to take risks and experiment with new approaches to achieve their goals.

The final chapter offers a vision for the future of museums as agents of social change. It highlights the ways in which museums can continue to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of contemporary society, including the importance of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The authors argue that museums have the potential to be powerful tools for promoting social justice, cultural understanding, and economic development, and that they must be committed to serving the public good.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the transformative power of contemporary art and the role of museums in shaping our cultural landscape. It offers a wealth of tools and insights for those seeking to challenge institutional hierarchies and reshape museums into more vital and relevant forms. Through a combination of theoretical analysis, case studies, and interviews, the authors provide a comprehensive and accessible roadmap for creating a more equitable and inclusive cultural world.

Weight: 413g
Dimension: 220 x 153 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538130438