Museums can inspire, challenge and stimulate us

Exhibitions are the mainstay of galleries and for museums an opportunity for learning and a more in depth exploration of its collections. But how do exhibitions come about and why do we need them? In this course we will allow you behind the scenes to meet the professionals who come together to create an exhibition, explore some of the challenges they face and through discussion and activities, come up with some solutions. Throughout the course you will be given the opportunity for more in depth study through reading research and listening to museum professionals.

What do visitors want? How do we know?

In Week 1 we will ask the question “What do visitors want?” we will hear from those whose task it is to find out. Why do some people appear to have no interest in visiting and what are the reasons others come? You may be surprised! We will think about the diversity of audiences from very young children to those with additional needs. What kind of activities and staff input can enhance their visits? Finally, in this section we will look at new technologies and social media - are these barriers to engaging with collections or can they help us understand more about our visitors? You won’t believe what we can find out from your Instagram postings!

What’s it all about? The Exhibition

In Week 2 we will be looking at an exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow, the role of the curator and the way the exhibition is interpreted. Must we know what an art work is about to appreciate it or is it the role of the curator to tell us? What secrets can objects reveal? Writing text for exhibitions may seem like quite a simple exercise but as you will find out when you try, it is not as easy as it looks.

Hard decisions for the conservator

In Week 3 we will explore the role of the conservator in the context of the exhibition. Is the conservator only responsible for the repair and preservation of objects and paintings or are there much bigger decisions to be made? Working with contemporary art can raise may challenges and issues for the conservator, often having to deal with ephemeral media. How do you conserve a concept? Or a video installation? You will help resolve some of these tensions through real life challenges.

Your exhibition – do it!

Finally, we will be asking you to create your own exhibition, albeit online, but an opportunity to pull together some of the things we have learned and hopefully, some solutions to the issues raised. Who knows, it may be a new career for you!