First after coffee – David Fleming – Directory National Museums Liverpool<\/p>\n
Museum’s no longer look solely to collections for inspiration – but to people and stories as well
\nMuseum’s have become more emotive and emotional – no longer feel the need to appear ‘neutral’. David describes the concept of ‘neutral’ as the stupidest idea you can have in your brain as a museum (person)
\nMuseum’s engaging with cultural diversity<\/p>\n
But there is resistance – still people believe in neutrality (even believe it is possible) – people who think of musuems solely as collections of objects and not as places where ideas can be explored.<\/p>\n
Museums are (“or they bloody well ought to be”) reflections of our society. Museums through their educational role should put diversity centre stage. Museums should consider:<\/p>\n
Intention is that International Slavery Museum has significant social outcomes – wants people to leave in the mood for action.<\/p>\n
David argues that museums cannot and SHOULD NOT be neutral – if they are to have public trust.<\/p>\n
Torreon Declaration: – Intercom Declaration of Museum Responsibility to Promote Human Rights “INTERCOM believes that it is a fundamental responsibility of museums, whereever possible, to be active in promoting diversity and human rights, respect and equality for people of all origins, beliefs and backgrounds”<\/p>\n
District Six Museum in Cape Town – portrays history of apartheid through history of peoples stories – no reference to collections – about memories, experience and stories (established 1994, same year that South Africa became a democracy).<\/p>\n
District Six Museum – potent symbol, and to show that even after their downfall, repressive regimes can be held to account . They use emotion to put messages across and engage people.<\/p>\n
David mentions Tuol Seng Genocide museum and recommends looking at photographs http:\/\/www.tuolsleng.com\/<\/a>. Also Cambodian Landmine Museum – specifically has a mission for ‘reconciliation’ with past (I think I got that right) “a place of healing for bodies, hearts and minds”<\/p>\n