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: Hardback
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 inclusive spaces 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, such as community engagement, collaborative programming, and the use of technology to create more accessible and inclusive spaces. The authors argue that these case studies provide valuable lessons for other museums seeking to transform their institutions.

The fourth chapter explores the challenges and barriers that remain in the way of dismantling institutional hierarchies and reshaping museums. It highlights the resistance from traditional museum stakeholders, such as curators, collectors, and board members, who may be resistant to change. The authors argue that these challenges must be overcome through education, advocacy, and collaboration with other cultural institutions and communities.

The final chapter offers a vision for the future of museums as dynamic and inclusive spaces that serve the needs of contemporary society. It highlights the ways in which museums can continue to evolve and adapt to changing cultural and social contexts, and the role that they can play in promoting social justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural diversity.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the transformative power of contemporary art in dismantling institutional hierarchies and reshaping museums into more vital and relevant forms. It offers a wealth of tools and insights for those seeking to challenge the status quo and create a more equitable and inclusive cultural landscape. By exploring the historical context of museums, the role of contemporary art in challenging these hierarchies, and the case studies of museums that have successfully transformed their institutions, the book provides a roadmap for other museums seeking to do the same. As the cultural landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that museums will play an increasingly important role in shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it. This book offers a vision for the future of museums that is both inspiring and achievable, and it is a testament to the power of art and culture to create positive change in the world.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 238 x 159 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538130421