Abstract
Museums hold significant cultural importance and should utilize inclusive practices to ensure they serve their audience. This research project seeks to discover how museums can become more accessible and welcoming to diverse audiences. The questions answered by this research include: (1) What does “social inclusion” mean to museum professionals? (2) How do museum professionals perceive the degree of social inclusivity within their institutions? and (3) What socially inclusive practices are applied by museum professionals at their institutions? To answer these questions, an exploratory qualitative study was conducted through interviews with museum professionals across the United States. Through this research, we identified perceptions related to what it means to be socially included and critical elements necessary for an organization to foster social inclusivity. Museums are undergoing a significant transformation, transitioning from artifact guardians to dynamic educational institutions with a strong emphasis on promoting positive societal change through unbiased information sharing. This shift in focus is of paramount importance as it reflects how museums perceive and adapt to their roles today. Additionally, the research has highlighted three key components that museum professionals prioritize for achieving social inclusion: sustainable stewardship of cultural heritage to ensure equitable access, presenting information without bias to encourage open dialogue and understanding, and creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for all visitors. These insights provide a deeper understanding of the evolving roles and responsibilities of museums and shed light on their commitment to fostering social inclusion within their institutions.
Presenters
Rachel DukePublic Programs Manager, Penn State Outreach, The Arboretum at Penn State, Pennsylvania, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Social Inclusion, Intersectionality, Qualitative, Barriers of Participation, Challenges to Inclusion
