Thirteenth International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

How can art museums enable visitors to effectively engage with the artwork on display in a way that is relevant and inclusive, embracing multiple perspectives, and diverse opinions? My research seeks to answer this question, examining the use of creative writing as a process through which the museum itself will benefit, as workshop participants and regular museum visitors engage more fully with works of art, interacting with and responding to each other’s interpretations. I present case studies from art museums where creative writing has been used to engage existing visitors and also to reach out to new audiences, including those who may have previously been excluded. I examine the potential use of creative writing, and ekphrastic poetry in particular, as a way to embrace inclusivity and difference within art museums, providing space for visitors to express their own opinions and personal reactions to works of art, celebrating the voice of the individual alongside that of the curator.