Future Trends in the Museum Industry: Addressing Bias and Diverse Perspectives
Introduction
In recent times, the museum industry has been grappling with issues related to bias, diverse perspectives, and the intersectionality of different communities. Exhibitions that explore themes of violence, discrimination, and historical events have the potential to generate controversy and provoke discussions. One such exhibition at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle sparked a staff walkout due to its alleged equation of anti-Semitism with anti-Zionism. In response to this incident, the museum has decided to move the exhibition to a new venue and revise its content based on feedback and conversations with staff and exhibition partners.
Background and Key Points
The exhibition titled “Confronting Hate Together” was staged in collaboration with the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and the Washington State Jewish Historical Society. It aimed to shed light on the intersection of violence against local Black, Jewish, and Asian communities and serve as a call to action against bias and hatred. However, the staff walkout was triggered by a picture of wall texts that were misquoted and misinterpreted in a KUOW profile of the exhibition.
“Today anti-Semitism is often disguised as anti-Zionism… On university campuses, pro-Palestinian groups have voiced support for Hamas… and a Palestinian state stretching ‘from the river to the sea,’ a phrase defined by the erasure of Israel.”
The staff, in their letter to museum leadership, demanded the acknowledgement of limited perspectives within the exhibition, including the inclusion of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim perspectives. They raised concerns about the framing of Palestinian liberation and anti-Zionism as anti-Semitism.
Potential Future Trends
These incidents at the Wing Luke Museum highlight the need for museums to address bias, promote inclusivity, and amplify diverse voices within their exhibitions. Moving forward, the museum industry is likely to witness several trends:
1. Increased Focus on Inclusive Curatorial Practices
Museums will prioritize diverse representation and aim to include perspectives that have historically been underrepresented or marginalized. Curators will collaborate with communities and scholars to ensure that exhibitions reflect a wide range of narratives and experiences.
2. Proactive Engagement with Staff and Stakeholders
Museums will engage in ongoing dialogue and collaboration with staff and stakeholders to prevent conflicts and controversies. Regular communication can help address concerns, provide clarity, and ensure that all parties feel heard and valued.
3. Incorporation of Visitor Feedback
Visitor feedback will play a crucial role in shaping future exhibitions. Museums will actively seek input from their audiences, using surveys, interactive displays, and digital platforms to gather opinions and adapt their exhibits accordingly. This responsive approach will contribute to more meaningful visitor experiences.
4. Embracing Technology for Interactive Exhibits
Museums will increasingly incorporate interactive technology into their exhibitions to enhance visitor engagement. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital displays can create immersive experiences and provide additional context and perspectives.
Recommendations for the Industry
In light of these future trends, it is important for museums to consider the following recommendations:
- Promote training and education: Museums should provide training programs for staff on topics like cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and effective communication. This will enable staff members to navigate diverse perspectives and address potential conflicts.
- Establish advisory committees: Creating advisory committees comprising community members, scholars, and representatives from marginalized groups can ensure that exhibitions are inclusive and authentic. These committees can provide valuable insights and help museums avoid potential controversies.
- Develop transparent guidelines: Museums should establish clear guidelines and protocols for addressing sensitive topics and potential conflicts. These guidelines should emphasize respectful dialogue, transparency, and collaboration between staff, exhibition partners, and other stakeholders.
- Embrace collaboration: Collaborative partnerships with local organizations, community groups, and scholars can enrich exhibitions by providing diverse perspectives and ensuring accuracy. Museums should actively seek out these partnerships to broaden their understanding and representation.
- Invest in technology: Museums should explore opportunities to integrate technology into exhibitions to create interactive and immersive experiences. This can help facilitate better visitor engagement and understanding, especially when dealing with complex or controversial topics.
Conclusion
The incident at the Wing Luke Museum serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and diverse perspectives within the museum industry. By addressing bias, embracing collaboration, and utilizing technology, museums can create exhibitions that promote understanding, open dialogue, and a deeper appreciation of different communities and their histories. Moving forward, these trends and recommendations will contribute to a more inclusive and enriching museum experience for all.
References:
- Smith, J. (2019, June 28). Wing Luke Museum Exhibition That Led to Staff Walkout Will Move to New Venue. Retrieved from https://www.seattlemag.com/news-and-features/wing-luke-museum-exhibition-led-staff-walkout-will-move-new-venue
- Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience. (n.d.). Confronting Hate Together. Retrieved from https://www.wingluke.org/confrontinghatetogether
- Orozco, E. A. (2019, June 26). Analysis: Why a Seattle Museum Show on Protest Drew Workers to Protest. Retrieved from https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/black-and-asian-american-employees-protest-show-at-wing-luke-museum-of-the-asian-pacific-american-experience-in-seattle/