Abstract

This paper examines contemporary museum practice and the representation of culture, identity and belonging in a display of Islamic artefacts. “The Arts of Islam” exhibition was accompanied by a comprehensive catalogue, an extensive lecture series, film screenings, musical performances, educational programs, celebrity talks, international symposium, conference and community days. This paper, based on socio-cultural inquiry in-progress, includes an in-depth description of the case study in question, surrounding socio-cultural issues and contemporary approaches to debates over conceptual concerns and theoretical issues that involve museum displays and their capacity to build civic values and promote cross-cultural understanding. The researcher uses existing empirical data to highlight the roles of government, individuals and communities in the exhibition, their respective contributions, and the benefits that each enjoyed as a result of their involvement in this highly successful collaborative venture. The actions of these sections of society are discussed and interpreted as instances of building civic values and promoting the public belief in shared international, national and community identity. This account positions the educational mission of the art museum and it’s supporting agencies in the broadest public context and highlights the art display as a significant arena for establishing and legitimating social norms and practices whilst steering cultural values. This case study suggests issues and implications for further exploration both empirically and theoretically. On-going research would continue to identify the degree to which the selection and discourse regarding artworks on display are influenced by global and local political situations and are indicative of geo-political contexts and shifting community values.