Evolving Approaches
Examination of Post-COVID Identity and Inclusivity through Heritage View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Ellen Webster
Social, cultural, political, and tourist factors have influenced narratives across the heritage sector for decades. In response to movements such as BLM and pride amongst others, there is a growing demand to respond and address the narratives at play. As a researcher who identifies as disabled, the principles of inclusivity have been paramount to all aspects of research with an emphasis on identifying broader communal characteristics through heritage and the museum sector. The onset of the global pandemic forced a fundamental shift in the methodologies utilised to formulate and support identities. The removal or routine due to lockdowns, imposed curfews and a shutdown of conventional infrastructure, forced the public to seek alternative methods of cultural engagement to deduce a sense of belonging. Given the shift within the UK towards the heritage sector there is an increasing need to retain access and inclusivity of the public within museums spaces. As such research has focused on the extrapolation and utilisation of video game models and bespoke activities to represent museum spaces and historical events. Therefore, by drawing on aspects of design, heritage and history the author will showcase how passive actions in games such as Minecraft and The Sims 4 can represent real-world activities and opportunities to further the discussion of museum engagement and inclusivity. Drawing on case studies the author will examine the potential to utilise such approaches more broadly within museums to ensure a more balanced blended approach of inclusive tangible and intangible heritage within museums.
“Adapt As We Go": Museum Outreach and Programming During the COVID-19 Pandemic View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Alia Reza, Stewart Williams
Museum outreach and programming are often focused on school field trips, camps, public events, and celebrations. Due to the pandemic, most of these are on hold or severely hindered by the social limitations in place. In this paper, we examine new ways that museums are conducting outreach and developing programming based on semi-structured interviews with museum staff and participating in museums’ digital outreach events to observe trends. We then analyze how differences in funding, public interaction, and digital media use might impact museums’ abilities to maintain or develop engagement. Our findings convey a broader picture of museums’ abilities to adapt. Using this information, we suggest ways that museums can make their outreach and programming more accessible and inclusive both during and after the pandemic.
