Considering Competing Values in a Model for Curation

Colloquium
Pat Villeneuve,  Ann Rowson Love,  Peter Aerts,  Juliana Forero,  Hye in Kim  

Two panelists (Pat Villeneuve and Ann Rowson Love) will present a model for curation based on a competing values framework originally articulated by Quinn and Rohrbaugh (1981) as they attempted to generate a model for organizational effectiveness. Throughout their extensive literature review, they noted “recognized dilemmas”—such as whether an organization should have an internal or external focus—that they framed as competing values. We similarly identified competing values in exhibition curation and wished to articulate choices available to museums. Using intersecting x and y axes representing ranges of practices in interpretive focus and curatorial power, we delineated four practices that we labeled traditional, exclusive, sympathetic, and inclusive. Bisecting the x and y axes perpendicularly with a z axis at their midpoints resulted in a theoretical model that differentiates eight distinct practices that we’ve described as exhibitions that ___ (ie, exhibitions that discern or inspire). The purpose of the model is to help museums recognize different possible practices, identify and reflect on their own, and determine how to make changes, if desired. Although we situate ourselves within a visitor-centered, collaborative, and democratic practice, we think there is value and change potential in encouraging museum professionals to develop considered curatorial practices. Three additional international panelists (Peter Aerts, Juliana Forero, Hyein Kim), who work in and with museums, share reflections from their specific contexts before an open discussion with attendees.