Blog #1 Social Issues in Museums (Ayuka Shichinohe)


Blog Post #1

Ayuka Shichinohe


The article from Vanity Fair, “What Should a Museum Look Like in 2020?” by Kimberly Drew, talks about social issues museums and museum workers are trying to promote. For example, one trend is showing art by an African American artist with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. But is doing this enough? Are museums doing this to be relevant? Are they doing this because they feel forced to?




The article argues that genuine change needs to be observable not only through social media but also within the institution in all aspects. These institutions need to commit to a long term change such as diversifying their workforce, greater representation in executive leadership, divesting from police collaborations, improving accessibility, and practicing a zero-tolerance policy for racism among staff and visitors. For example, Walker Art Center decided to discontinue contracts with local police for public events.


Social media posts or public letters alone can not undo museums' complicity in perpetuating white supremacy until these long term changes happen. 


I see this a lot recently with all companies and institutions, especially big ones, to promote their stance on social issues. Whether that is supporting diversity of race, gender, LGBTQ+ friendly, understanding mental health, being eco friendly, sustainable. This being a positive step towards being aware of the issues our society faces today to change for the future, I also think companies and institutions feel pressured to state these from society to stay relevant and retain their customers. This resulted in some companies promoting social issues just for the trend and not making those long term, thoughtful changes. 


Whenever I see another company promoting their use of sustainable materials, emphasizing African American art, etc. I ask if they genuinely care and practice whatever they are promoting. Are they doing the bare minimum to gain that title? Is this campaign only for Black History Month and it’s back to normal? 


To a degree, I find it frustrating sometimes that this is not the normal and extra emphasis is needed. But this is only the beginning and I hope in the near future, diversity, transparency, and sustainability is normal.

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