Battle for the Museum: Cultural Institutions in Crisis

Culture and power have been intertwined since ancient times, and protests, equality, diversity, and restitution of imperially tainted objects are now driving visual arts as a flashpoint for social divisions. Battle for the Museum reveals a dark nexus of capital, art, and power, and radical resistance movements are fighting for exhibition spaces that serve the public.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2024
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Culture and power have been intertwined since ancient times, and this relationship has become even more pronounced in the context of exhibits and collections. In recent years, protests, pressure from activists, and demands for equality and diversity have forced museums to abandon fossil fuel sponsorship and address issues of exploitation and restitution. Journalist Rachel Spence has closely observed the transformation of visual arts into a focal point for contemporary social divisions. Through in-depth interviews with artists, activists, directors, and donors, she sheds light on the elitism and injustice prevalent in the art world.

Business and finance have also played a significant role in shaping the museum landscape. Patronage and sponsorship have become tools for laundering reputations, while governments have used the arts as a means of exerting authority power or attacking their opponents. Gallery-goers and workers have mobilized to demand better conditions and greater representation in the exhibitions that shape their cultural experiences.

Battle for the Museum takes a comprehensive look at the complex relationship between culture, power, and the museum. It explores the historical roots of this nexus, from the colonial era to the present day, and examines how it has shaped the way exhibitions are curated, displayed, and interpreted. The film also highlights the radical resistance movements that have emerged in response to these power dynamics, fighting fiercely for exhibition spaces that serve the public and promote diversity and inclusivity.

The film takes viewers on a journey through a range of museums and exhibition spaces, from China and Russia to Helsinki and Brooklyn, from the British Museum to the Louvre and Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi. It reveals the dark nexus of capital, art, and power that underpins these institutions and the struggles that artists, activists, and workers face in their efforts to create exhibitions that reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences of todays public.

Battle for the Museum is a powerful and thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to think critically about the role of museums in shaping our cultural and political landscape. It offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics that govern the art world and the urgent need for reform and transformation. By shedding light on the struggles and victories of those who are fighting for a more equitable and inclusive museum system, the film provides a roadmap for a future where culture and power are used to serve the public good.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 223 x 147 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787387751