Abstract
This paper examines the dynamic interplay between art exhibitions and museum visitor demographics at Glenstone Museum in Potomac, Maryland, with a particular emphasis on two distinct periods marked by the Faith Ringgold (April 8, 2021, to October 24, 2021) and Jeff Wall (October 20, 2021, to March 13, 2022) exhibitions. Through quantitative analysis, the study investigates shifts in demographic compositions within the visitor base, as well as changes in visitors’ experiences during these exhibitions. During the Faith Ringgold exhibition, there was a notable 3% increase in the representation of Black visitors compared to the subsequent Jeff Wall exhibition. Additionally, survey results revealed that visitors who perceived Glenstone as presenting artworks reflective of inclusive and diverse perspectives were 6% more prevalent during the Faith Ringgold exhibition period than during the Jeff Wall exhibition period. Similarly, the proportion of visitors who found the artwork personally relevant and meaningful was also 6% higher during the Ringgold exhibition compared to the Wall exhibition. Conversely, survey data indicated a 5% rise in the percentage of visitors who felt that the art did not align with their taste from the Faith Ringgold exhibition period to the Jeff Wall exhibition period. These findings underscore the significant impact of curatorial decisions on visitor engagement and highlight the potential of exhibitions to attract diverse audiences while fostering inclusivity and broadening perspectives within cultural institutions.
Presenters
Tiffany ChoiAudience Insight and Analytics Manager, Public Engagement, Glenstone Museum, Maryland, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
2024 Special Focus—Intersectionality: Museums, Inclusion, and SDGs
KEYWORDS
Visitor, Demographics, Diversity, Exhibitions, Artworks, Intercultural, Inclusion, Curatorial, Museums, Culture
