Abstract
This study investigates the curatorial practices of community exhibitions at the Shandong Art Museum in China. With the rise in museum visits following the 2008 government policy eliminating admission fees, and a 2015 directive emphasizing the educational function of museums, museums in China are undergoing transformation. However, traditional object-oriented curatorial practices still dominate, particularly in art museums in northern China. Through a participatory action research approach, this study explored how curatorial practices can evolve to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders, including museum educators, visitors, and community members. Framed within the Chinese philosophical concepts of Zhong He (balance and harmony), the research utilized the Dimensions of Curation Competing Values Model to examine the co-curation of a community exhibition at the Shandong Art Museum. Mixed methods, including group discussions, questionnaires, and interviews, were employed to collect data and assess stakeholder responses to curatorial changes. The study aimed to inform future curatorial strategies by introducing visitor-centered approaches and co-curation within the Dimensions of Curation Competing Values Model, ultimately supporting the museum’s transition into a more dynamic public space.
Presenters
Xiaonan JiangAssociate Professor, Department of Fundamental Education, Shandong University of Arts, Shandong, China
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Curation practice, Art museum, Community exhibition, Multiple voices
