Decolonization in Museums

Understanding Decolonization in Museums

• Definition of Decolonization in Museums

  • Decolonization in the context of museums involves recognizing that:

  • Most museum collections have been gathered, deployed, and utilized within a colonial context.

  • Current audiences are increasingly aware and critical of how collections are presented and interpreted.

The Shift in Museum Practices

• Historical Context

  • Over the past 30 years, significant changes have occurred in the museum sector:

  • Museums are moving towards viewing themselves as stewards, rather than just owners, of their collections.

  • This change reflects a shift away from the concept of appropriation and into a cooperative stewardship model.

• Importance of Being Relevant

  • Museums must evolve their practices to remain relevant in the 21st century.

  • Contextualize collections beyond the ideologies set forth by 19th-century figures.

  • Reconsidering the management and exhibition of collections through a decolonial lens is essential.

Building Trust in Museum Communities

• Shifting from Ownership to Stewardship

  • A key aspect of decolonization is building trust with communities that the collections represent.

  • Museums should focus on changing their operational practices to emphasize stewardship.

  • This approach allows for collaboration with various communities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility over collections.

Acknowledging Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights

• Intellectual Property and Cultural Rights

  • Museums need to recognize the rights linked to cultural and intellectual properties.

  • Various individuals, families, clans, groups, and indigenous peoples may have claims regarding specific collections.

    • These claims could include:

    • Restrictions on the use, touching, exhibiting, or sharing of collection items.

    • Requests for repatriation or return of items to their communities of origin.

• Mission of Decolonization

  • Acknowledging the importance of cultural property rights is an essential aspect of a museum's mission today.

Community Interest and Collaborative Efforts

• Current Initiatives and Collaboration

  • There are enthusiastic individuals within the museum sector who are deeply interested in decolonization.

  • Locally in Geneva, support and collaboration from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) are helping to advance discussions and practices regarding decolonization in museums.

Conclusion

• Gaining Insight and Collaboration

  • Through trust-building and acknowledgment of rights, museums can create a more inclusive narrative that respects the origins and meanings of their collections, leaning into the collaborative future of museum practices.