Fitzwilliam Museum Research Briefing: Connections Through Collections
Authors
Farrell-Banks, David
Issue Date
2024
Educational Level
Geographical Setting
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Abstract
Context: This document summarises the "Connections Through Collections" project conducted by the Fitzwilliam Museum. It addresses how participatory research can place communities at the core of museum practices, aiming to enhance local relevance and achieve organizational change. Grounded in the International Council of Museums’ ethos of ethical and community-participative work, the project showcases co-created initiatives that challenge traditional curatorial norms.
Aims: The research sought to center participant agency, knowledge, and lived experiences, fostering active collaboration between museum staff and community co-researchers. It aimed to explore how participatory methodologies can transform museum practices, broaden audience engagement, and integrate community perspectives into collection development and exhibition design.
Methods: Employing participatory action research, the project involved 30 workshops with 10 community co-researchers and 25 museum staff. Activities included co-curating the "Tensions of Belonging" display, delivering family and public events, and gathering qualitative data through interviews, surveys, and interactive responses. Collaborative analysis was conducted to ensure community-led insights and decisions.
Findings: The project enhanced the Fitzwilliam Museum’s relevance and accessibility for local audiences, as evidenced by increased local attendance and the success of the "Tensions of Belonging" exhibition. It fostered co-researcher agency, skill development, and well-being, with participants engaging in exhibition curation, public speaking, and research. Institutionally, the project catalyzed methodological shifts, integrating participatory practices into exhibitions and contributing to organizational and cultural change.
Implications: The initiative demonstrates the potential of participatory research to democratize museum practices, enriching both community and institutional experiences. Other cultural practitioners might consider its emphasis on care, empathy, and community agency as an avenue for creating inclusive, dynamic museum spaces. Long-term impacts include the embedding of participatory models into institutional frameworks and increased accessibility to diverse audiences.
Aims: The research sought to center participant agency, knowledge, and lived experiences, fostering active collaboration between museum staff and community co-researchers. It aimed to explore how participatory methodologies can transform museum practices, broaden audience engagement, and integrate community perspectives into collection development and exhibition design.
Methods: Employing participatory action research, the project involved 30 workshops with 10 community co-researchers and 25 museum staff. Activities included co-curating the "Tensions of Belonging" display, delivering family and public events, and gathering qualitative data through interviews, surveys, and interactive responses. Collaborative analysis was conducted to ensure community-led insights and decisions.
Findings: The project enhanced the Fitzwilliam Museum’s relevance and accessibility for local audiences, as evidenced by increased local attendance and the success of the "Tensions of Belonging" exhibition. It fostered co-researcher agency, skill development, and well-being, with participants engaging in exhibition curation, public speaking, and research. Institutionally, the project catalyzed methodological shifts, integrating participatory practices into exhibitions and contributing to organizational and cultural change.
Implications: The initiative demonstrates the potential of participatory research to democratize museum practices, enriching both community and institutional experiences. Other cultural practitioners might consider its emphasis on care, empathy, and community agency as an avenue for creating inclusive, dynamic museum spaces. Long-term impacts include the embedding of participatory models into institutional frameworks and increased accessibility to diverse audiences.
Description
Keywords (free text)
participatory action research , museum education , community engagement , curatorial practices