Eleventh International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

Do American museums need to be inclusive? How do we define inclusion? Do we define inclusion in the same way that our international counterparts do? This presentation is intended to demystify the much-debated idea of inclusion, in specific within American museums, for museum professionals, theorists, professors, and researchers. Through case studies and theoretical models, the audience will learn tools for understanding, implementing, and evaluating inclusion in their museums. Together, with the presenter as the guide, the audience will examine the application of inclusion theory for American museums. We will debate: An introductory definition of inclusion for museums; Guidelines for creating inclusion in the museums through partnerships with people and community organizations; Strategies for driving social change through inclusive museum practice; Tools for implementing inclusion in the museum; Mechanisms for evaluating the inclusiveness of a museum. The presenter will provide an extensive resource list to aid conference attendees in continuing the dialogue post-conference within their museums. Based on the presenter’s recently published book, Understanding and Implementing Inclusion in Museums, the international audience will be tasked with offering suggestions for change within the American museum. Inclusive Museum Conference delegates are invited to join the conversation concerning inclusion, equipped with greater understanding, and the tools to implement change through their museums.