Maria Balshaw

As the world continues to adapt to the consequences of a global pandemic that has disrupted social life as we have known it, museums continue to experience unprecedented disruption and change. The sector has endured a nearly two-year period where they were closed to the public. Many also discovered new audiences and new purpose, through global digital connection, through renewed community purpose and through the revitalised interest from a public hungry for social connection and cultural inspiration. At the same time, there has been growing debate and dissent over what museums are for, who they speak to and the histories, objects and ideas they are tasked with holding – all taking place within a public sphere that is more dynamic and volatile than ever before.

Taking a wide-ranging look at museums themselves, but also the dialogue around the responsibilities of our public institutions, Maria Balshaw explores some of the critical challenges and opportunities for art and culture at this point in the twenty-first century. Moving from the historical origins of the gallery to the way in which art and artists can imagine and shape our collective future, the publication will also connect with important debates taking place around art and the climate emergency, race equality and decolonisation, and the value of the arts in education.

It is also a love letter to the museum, from a cultural leader who is at the forefront of the conversation today.

Why Museums Matter

Gathering of Strangers

Cassandra Tang

Museums usually have a responsibility to reflect the world they live in, yet we the public, do not always want them to be scientifically or historically ‘correct’, because what drives our connection and enthusiasm is personal emotional and subjective.

Diversification of artists and programmes does not necessarily translate into a diversification of audiences.

What I’m saying here is that providing a megaphone is not enough; we also need to think about who has access to that microphone.

That does not mean that museums are bad businesses but that, in common with many charitable or good public services, they provide a value that is more than the sum of their commercial output.

… perhaps the most under-recognised virtue of the museum is that no one is really checking whether you are paying attention.

Gathering of Strangers quotes

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