Multiperspectivity in museums
For museums to be able to do justice to the communities which often find themselves the focus of an exhibition, it is important to apply multiperspectivity to the whole process. In this six-step guide, Guinevere Ras sets out how to implement multiperspectivity and what its benefits are.
While studying at the Reinwardt Academy, Guinevere Ras carried out her thesis research into the narrative representation of Curaçao’s heritage in the Tropenmuseum and opportunities for multiperspective presentations in museums. In her opinion, this heritage was not being shown enough and she was unable to identify with what was exhibited. The preliminary investigation revealed that a large section of the source community (in this case, people whose origins can be traced back to Curaçao) agreed with this.
The Tropenmuseum was aware of the representation issues, and was honest and transparent about them. After all, it had regularly received negative feedback from the Curaçao community. Over the years, the museum has constantly used exhibitions as a means of seeking a solution to these representation issues.
The community as source
To solve this problem, the first thing she did was perform a quick scan (step 1) of the Tropenmuseum. She talked to employees and communities to find out where improvements could be made. During the process, her research regularly reached a dead end. A lot of information about the sub-collection from the former Netherlands Antilles was missing. On the one hand, her job was made easier by the fact that the research was on her own heritage; in other words, she had an affinity with and knowledge of the subject. On the other hand, however, it was difficult to release a collection that had been incorrectly or inadequately documented since being purchased or donated.
These results were used to determine her starting point (step 2): filling the exhibitions with objects and stories from the Curaçao community. After deciding upon the starting point, she made a careful selection of Curaçaoans to act as an advisory group (step 3). She then consulted the communities (step 4) to identify what they would like to see back in the collection and how they viewed the Tropenmuseum. Using this feedback, she started looking for potential loans and stories (step 5). In the end, she put all the information she had gathered into an exhibition proposal. She also borrowed objects from one of the participants. These objects, which include personal photographs and the stories behind them, are currently on display at the Tropenmuseum (step 6).
The results of her thesis and her practical experience in the Tropenmuseum have helped Guinevere develop a practical tool for the implementation of multiperspectivity in the museum sector as a whole, and not just at the Tropenmuseum. This publication will help you create a multiperspective product in 6 steps, from quick scan to sustainability. Through the application of best practices, tips and interviews, you will be inspired and encouraged to adopt a multiperspective approach to exhibitions, all of which will improve inclusiveness, representation and diversity at your museum.
Find out more about multiperspectivity.
Visit Guinevere’s website for further details on Multiperspectivity or contact her for a printed copy of the publication.