THE HEAR & NOW
Museum Community
Evolving the Museum |
Artefact 6.1 Right | Key themes for the next evolution of museums 'Museum Community'
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In a time of awareness engaged in debating social justice, political correctness and equality I propose action. 'Museum Community' could infill the gaps and short-fallings of current cultural institutions in a sustainable manner. Designing with dynamism and accessibility in mind will ensure museums worldwide can respond to their surroundings as society changes.
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An agglomeration of existing and new practices will realise 'Museum community' - A reformed typology which tests methods of presentation and the exchange knowledge.
The Important Relationship Between Archivist, Artist & Artefact |
Artefact 6.2 Below | Process collage of Sandy Powell's Oscar's suit being prepared by archivists at the V&A for exhibition with the support and direction of the original artist (BBC, 2022).
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Objects sleep and curators are needed to wake them up. It is an art form to bring narrative to the otherwise mundane. Successful exhibits make visible the otherwise invisible. Portraying the complete picture of an artefact’s life gives outsiders context and a fuller impression, allowing a connection to be made with an observer. Gifting understanding can also empower viewers and make exhibitions more relatable.
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To enrich the V&A's 'Signed Oscar Suit' exhibition Sandy Powell, the creator, was consulted on the story behind the suits initial construction, the decryption of the signatures and how she wanted it to be displayed.
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Insight can be gained through research but also by collaborating with the original creators / procurers of artefacts.
‘It is very exciting to work with the creator of the object we are working on - it is rare but special’
'Collaborating with live artists allows us to portray an accurate reflection of events.'
Archivists at the V&A​
(BBC, 2022)
Complete a Picture
The Smaller the More Relatable |
Artefact 6.4 Right | Diagram of Neighbourhood museums offering relatable content
A new 'neighbourhood' scale of museum could foster a positive sense of place and community. By celebrating collective heritage and promoting relatable content public services could be integrated to balance the creation of legacy and provision of social care.
One Size Doesn't Fit All |
Artefact 6.3 Left | Diagrams of different scales of museum
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The scale of a museum’s catchment area for resources and physical building should be designed dependent on the subject matter, social ambitions and target audience.
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International museums, often based in capitals, have conflicting aims - to disseminate knowledge to as many as possible and to be a status symbol. If prioritised incorrectly inflated ambition can lead to the neglect of their role to create unity on a socio-political level.
In all cases, regardless of reach, museums should acknowledge and honour their local community and context.
Choose an Appropriate Scale
Evoke an Experience
Stimulating Exhibitions |
Artefact 6.5 Below | Annotated collage of V&A Exhibition Resonant Bodies (Devine, 2018)
At the V&A museum in London, Resonant Bodies uses aural and visual aids to bring artefacts to life. A rich palette helps one's imagination piece together an informed understanding of the items and their past.
The exhibition is successful however, the use of soundscapes is currently limited to items known for making music or similar. Other artefacts and mediums need to be considered.
'Hearing, together with its active component, listening, is a means by which we sense the events of life, aurally visualise spatial geometry, propagate cultural symbols, stimulate emotions, communicate aural information, experience the movement of time, build social relationships, and retain the memory of experiences.'
Spaces Speak - Are You Listening
(Blesser & Salter, 2009)
Sound an Underutilised Sense |
Artefact 6.6 Right | Sound - Word Cloud
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Architecture can manipulate atmosphere with acoustics. Expressing artefacts with sound will amplify immersive experiences and enrich the effectiveness of story telling in museums.
Galleries are not concert halls. Artists and objects in existing museums currently need to consider other listeners and exhibitions if using sound.
Tailored spaces which embrace the joy of sensation and immersion in a narrative need to be explored.
'Where would this new form of museum be most effective?'
