Culture Strike: Art and Museums in an Age of Protest

A leading activist museum director explains why museums are at the center of a political storm and how they can be reimagined

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Verso Books

In the midst of a fervent era of protest, culture, and museums have found themselves under scrutiny. The fervor has erupted in waves of demonstrations, ranging from concerns over museum funding, such as the Metropolitan Museum's acceptance of Sackler family money, to disputes over board appointments, such as the Whitney's decision to appoint tear gas manufacturer Warren Kanders. These protests have not spared even exhibitions and artworks, igniting global outrage at institutions like the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Akron Art Museum. Simultaneously, there has been a growing chorus of voices urging museums to embrace their role as agents of social change, advocating for a new era of cultural significance.

As the director of the Queens Museum, Laura Raicovich played a pivotal role in transforming this New York municipal institution into a vibrant public commons for art and activism. Under her leadership, the museum organized powerful exhibitions that seamlessly merged artistic expression with political activism. However, her tenure came to an abrupt end in January 2018, when a dispute with the Queens Museum board and city officials escalated into a public controversy. At the heart of the matter was Raicovich's objection to the Israeli government utilizing the museum for an event featuring Vice President Mike Pence.

In this captivating book, Raicovich delves into the key museum flashpoints that have sparked controversy and debate. She provides a historical backdrop, shedding light on the origins of art museums as colonial institutions that uphold an ideology of neutrality, masking their profound role in perpetuating capitalist values. Raicovich offers insightful perspectives on how museums can be reimagined and repurposed to serve the greater public good. She advocates for a shift towards more inclusive and socially responsible practices, urging museums to embrace their potential as platforms for dialogue, education, and cultural transformation.

Through her compelling narrative and thought-provoking analysis, Raicovich invites readers to reevaluate the role of museums in our society. She challenges us to think beyond the walls of these institutions and to recognize their power to shape narratives, challenge norms, and foster a more equitable and inclusive world. This book serves as a valuable resource for museum professionals, activists, and anyone interested in the intersection of culture, politics, and social change.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 218 x 147 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839760501