Abstract
This paper reviews four case studies of exhibition development projects that included community perspectives within the visitor experience. Each of these projects sought to both establish and strengthen relationships between the institutions developing exhibition projects and the communities they serve. By centring community voices within museum projects, a deeper sense of ownership in the final result is fostered through increased participation. Many museums have realized the importance of shifting from authoritative-voice exhibits to perspective-based projects that avoid telling a singular story and instead allow visitors to draw their own conclusions from a multiplicity of featured voices. The exhibits profiled within these case studies used social media, surveys and qualitative interviews to engage community participants – each with their own strengths and drawbacks. These projects were exhibited in multiple formats, including interpretive displays, comic books and audio exhibits. Each project engaged the community in different ways to build stronger connections. This study examines how each project was developed and what learnings can be taken away for other institutions seeking to engage the communities they serve in more meaningful ways.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Community engagement, Exhibition development, Voices, Perspectives, Social media, Interviewing, Audio
