The participatory museum

Abstract

Practical guide to working with community members and visitors to make cultural institutions more dynamic, relevant, essential places. Dissection of the process of participatory change, showing how to make choices that will augment, without overturning, the museum's current programs or mission. In concentrating on the practical, implementation is possible in most museums. In describing the philosophy and rationale behind participatory activity, it makes clear that action does not always require new technology or machinery.

Contents

Why participate? -- Principles of participation -- Participation begins with me -- From me to we -- Social objects -- Defining participation in your institution -- Visitors as contributors -- Collaborating with visitors -- Co-creating with visitors -- Hosting participants -- Evaluating participatory projects -- Managing & sustaining participation -- Imagining the participatory museum.