Explore how museums can use the power of collections in advocacy, activism and co-production. Discover practical examples of museum engagement which act as an emotional encounter in service of social justice initiatives. At this study day we will profile the role of museums in terms of challenging inequality – the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within society – and how museums can exercise their power towards challenging the status quo.
What does it mean / look like to explicitly occupy museum spaces in social justice? How do museums safeguard both themselves and others during the process? How does the institution change and respond to being part of social justice narratives? What does trust look like during this process? Our panel of museum learning specialists will share case studies on museums engaging with social justice via their collections and practice. The workshop will seek to build a consensual space for sharing, populated with care and emotion rooted in conversation and refection.
Our panel of museum learning specialists will share case studies on museums engaging with social justice via their collections and practice. The workshop will seek to build a consensual space for sharing, populated with care and emotion rooted in conversation and refection. Working in small groups with a welcoming and informal atmosphere, study day participants will benefit from expert guidance and support coupled with hands-on, practical sessions.
How to Explore Social Justice in Museum Spaces
Study Day, 18 June 2024, London
Workshop leader: Jon Sleigh (he/him) is a learning officer, learning curator and art history writer. He works freelance nationally as a specialist in fine art engagement with a diverse portfolio of arts institutions, museum and heritage sites across the UK. Clients include The National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, The National Archives, Historic Royal Palaces, Art Fund, V&A, Government Art Collection DCMS and the Arts Council Collection. Prior to this Jon worked for Birmingham Museums Trust / The Arts Collection in Round One of the acclaimed ACE National Partners Programme. Jon has built a strong reputation for innovation, applied ethics and delivery of projects reflecting inclusive futures. He has a passion for challenging and underrepresented narratives in art – co-producing with communities and bringing their lived experience to artworks for advocacy.
Book tickets: Click ‘Select options’ below to book your place on the study day. Tickets are available on a sliding scale from £177 – £137. Book with colleagues for multiple delegate discounts. Book your ticket online below or email info@museum-id.com if you prefer to be invoiced.
20% of tickets are available at a reduced rate for museum workers who may often be excluded from training and professional development opportunities, including people of colour, LGBTQ+ and working class members of staff, people with a disability, front of house staff, students, freelancers, those working at small independent museums, and people new to the sector. Reduced rate tickets are £97 – email info@museum-id.com to check availability and to book a ticket at the reduced rate.
Tickets are non-refundable but may be swapped between colleagues at the same organisation and between different study days (if places are available). If the workshop is postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions your ticket remains valid for the rescheduled date.
