Communities and Museums in the 21st Century: Shared Histories and Climate Action

This book explores innovative, multidisciplinary perspectives on contemporary museology and participatory museum practice, contributing to debates on museum communities, heritage, and sustainability. It will appeal to a wide range of audiences, including museologists, museum practitioners, academics, and students.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Drawing upon a Horizon2020 project and endorsed by ICOM, this comprehensive book brings together innovative, multidisciplinary perspectives on contemporary museology and participatory museum practice, thereby contributing to broader discussions on museum communities, heritage, and sustainability.

The book will captivate a wide audience, including museologists, museum practitioners, academics, and students specializing in heritage studies, cultural studies, memory studies, art history, gender studies, and sustainable development. Notably, this will be the first international museum studies book to dedicate its attention to island and remote communities, further enriching the field's understanding of diverse cultural contexts. Additionally, it stands as one of a select few publications that primarily focus on museums in Latin America and the Caribbean, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities within these regions.

The chapters in this book are organized into four sections:

Section 1: Theoretical Frameworks and Approaches
In this section, the authors explore various theoretical frameworks and approaches that underpin contemporary museology and participatory museum practice. They discuss the role of museums in shaping cultural identities, promoting social inclusion, and fostering sustainable development. The authors also examine the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age and the increasing importance of audience engagement and participation.

Section 2: Case Studies and Examples
The second section showcases a range of case studies and examples from around the world, illustrating the diverse practices and approaches employed in contemporary museology and participatory museum practice. These case studies cover a wide range of topics, including heritage preservation, cultural revitalization, community engagement, and sustainable tourism. The authors provide insights into the successes and challenges faced by museums in implementing these practices and offer practical recommendations for future endeavors.

Section 3: Reflective Practices and Professional Development
The third section focuses on reflective practices and professional development in the field of museum studies. The authors discuss the importance of lifelong learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of critical thinking skills in museum practitioners. They provide practical tools and resources for museum professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field.

Section 4: Conclusion and Future Directions
In the concluding section, the authors summarize the key findings and insights from the book and offer perspectives on the future of contemporary museology and participatory museum practice. They discuss the potential for further research, collaboration, and advocacy in the field, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Overall, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the dynamic and evolving world of contemporary museology and participatory museum practice. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the field, offering valuable insights and practical recommendations for museologists, museum practitioners, academics, and students alike.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032291277