Abstract
As museums shape societal understandings of history and culture, they often present narratives influenced by colonial perspectives. The urgency to decolonize museum collections has grown in response to the need for promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice. This paper delves into the process of decolonizing museum collections, with an emphasis on the importance of collaborating with source communities to reimagine narratives and ensure the representation of diverse perspectives. By reviewing relevant literature and examining case studies, this study explores the historical context of museum collections, shedding light on acquisition and interpretation practices that perpetuate colonial narratives. It highlights examples of museums that have successfully embarked on decolonization efforts, including the repatriation of objects, reinterpretation of exhibitions, and collaboration with source communities. This presentation underscores the necessity of working closely with source communities in the decolonization process, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to the reinterpretation of objects and narratives. It offers practical strategies for museums to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with source communities, emphasizing capacity-building, open dialogue, and shared decision-making. Finally, it analyzes the potential impact of decolonizing museum collections on museum practice, visitor experience, and the broader cultural sector, including the promotion of inclusion, diversity, and social justice. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions in the field of inclusive museum practices and provide valuable insights for institutions embarking on their decolonization journey.
Presenters
Alexandria BruceStudent, Health Administration, Rutgers University, Virginia, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Decolonization, Museum Collections, Collaboration, Source Communities, Inclusive Practices, Reimagined Narratives, Cultural Heritage, Repatriation, Exhibition Interpretation
