Migration Museum’s Post

When we create campaigns for clients, we keep in mind the micro and macro positions. What will stop the scroll, and what will resonate with individuals?

Scaffolding is an art form all of its own

The Royal Museum for Central Africa (or "#AfricaMuseum") in #Belgium reopened its doors in 2018 after closing its doors for a 5-year extensive "#decolonisation" process. Part of this initial incarnation involved an introductory exhibition called "Sidelined", in which a number of objects from its former displays now considered to be "problematic" were placed in a room for public scrutiny and reflection. Unfortunately, the exhibition did not have the intended transformative impact on its audience, and ultimately the entire concept was abandoned. The colonial-era sculptures were instead moved to a separate space, where they can only be visited with a guide. I originally made this presentation in 2022 when "Sidelined" was still on display. In it I critique the delivery of the original exhibition and offer suggestions for how the intended #decolonial impact might have been better conveyed on an audience unfamiliar to reflecting critically on colonial structures. I steadfastly do not believe that the way to decolonise the mind is to tell it explicitly what to think, and I do not believe that hiding these historically popular problematic objects away outside of a carefully monitored gaze is going to facilitate decolonial unlearning. Systemic #racism and racialised #injustice will only ever be confronted out in the open, and I truly believe that through these "problematic objects" the Royal Museum for Central Africa has in its possession the tools to be able to lay the colonial imagination bare and rid it of its power, in the hands of the African diaspora.

From concept to delivery.

I may have mentioned that Wakefield Museum has been shortlisted for Kids in Museums Best Accessible Museum? 😉 Well, here's a lovely blog post to explain some of the things we are doing: https://lnkd.in/dF3ecRfj

Ciku Kimeria made a key observation that if one wants to see a wide array of African artifacts, their best bet is to apply for a Schengen or UK visa and catch a $1,000 flight from Africa to Europe or Britain, where the majority of Africa’s material cultural legacy is found. As much as 90% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s cultural artifacts are outside of the continent, according to a 2018 report commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron. A significant share is indeed housed in European and British museums. #ReturnAfricanheritageandartefactstoAfrica. African Culture Fund (ACF) Youth.Heritage.Africa. Programme - ICCROM Africa No Filter https://lnkd.in/d34tY3Ez

It's all about the story... The story behind something is what adds depth and life to it, whether that be the antique writing desk handed down through generations, or the well worn leather jacket your dad purchased in the 70's from Camden Market. These stories add soul, and that's one of the reasons I love where I work - the story. Not just the Sofas & Stuff story, but the story, thought, and inspiration behind every piece and collection. With the latest V&A collaboration being rich in history - not just beautiful fabrics, but history woven into each design.

Blending the flow of the Indian sari with the structure of the Museum of the Future, this padded hat brings tradition into a modern form. Paired with a unique silk top crafted from forgotten fabric, it’s an Absent Findings one-of-a-kind. #WhatAreYourAbsentFindings #AbsentFindings #MyPersonalReferences #OneOfAKind https://lnkd.in/d3wBcdKy

Question for the #museum & #heritage hiveminds: can you recommend any audience research into the motivations & reactions of visitors to historic houses? There was an excellent study by Cadw (Barriers to visiting heritage  sites 2022) and the equally excellent paper by Aileen Peirce ( “It Feels Like You Have Stepped Back in Time” 2020) but other than that I can find next to nothing. #museums #audienceengagement #visitorengagement #visitorexperience #audienceresearch

Exploring the rich history of communication at Museum of Maroc Telecom – where the past connects with the future. Maroc Telecom