Seventeenth International Conference on the Inclusive Museum

Abstract

‘Making the world a better place’ is a sweeping statement that, in many sectors, often leads to more questions than solutions. Within culture, however, this is consistently achievable, and this study explores some of the myriad ways and discernible results that prove this, at a time when museums are being held to account for issues like climate justice, equity and inclusion. The paper considers the following topics under the umbrella of Dynamic Change: 1. New museum roles around care and responsibility; 2. Values that inspire new ways to create and communicate meaning from the evidence and stories their museums collect, research and display; 3. How museums are addressing repatriation and restitution of artifacts, works of art and specimens that were looted, stolen or purchased under duress; 4. Changes in human resources priorities and sharing authority with multiple agents, groups and individuals, thus converting museums into centres both for and of community, with a spirit of respect for science and multiple perspectives. Drawing from case studies and Lord´s latest research on the matter, this paper reviews how museum management can facilitate the dynamic change, that now more than ever, is happening within institutions. This, in turn, is affecting dynamic change in society, and vice versa, all the while making the world a better place.