Space and Place: The Museum
When I imagine the spaces and places I intend to exhibit the new work I am trying to create, I frequently imagine the work in traditional galleries. This of course causes obvious connections to visual arts methods of display, and also barriers, based on the ableist architecture, stigma, and historical (and current) practices of exclusion, that museums and galleries engage in. I started my career in museum and gallery access - in the early 2000s and I’m not so interested in the adaptations of public programs per se - but I am interested in how museums can challenge and redesign their physical spaces and their methods of display. Here are some examples of museums and galleries who are considering these exclusions and shifting their space to be premised on a wider audience.
THIS/ The MULTISENSORY MUSEUM at Van Abbemuseum
28/02/2019 - 03/01/2021 / Curator: Marleen Hartjes
“What would the museum look like if it had been designed from all senses? Would it change our perception on art? How can we make inclusive and more accesible spaces? What can we learn from people with disabilities?
In 2016 the Van Abbemuseum started to research, rethink and redesign the museum space from a multisensory and inclusive perspective, together with architects Peter-Willem Vermeersch, Tomas Dirrix, KU Leuven and in co-design with experiential experts with a visual, auditory or mobile disability.
The design was carried out by Eigensinn and the technical team of the museum. The sensory experience of the artwork was completed by contributions from designer Simon Dogger, smell expert Caro Verbeek and Iscent.
The Multi Sensory Museum research project was made possible by Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie and in co-design with Marleen Hartjes, Amber van Ginneken, Pia Hendriks, Johan Nefkens, Barbara Strating, Judith Schuitvlot, Jaap Breider, Frank Ter Beek, Jeroen van Dijk, Rieky Verwimp.”
This/ stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and Van Abbemuseum launch STUDIO i – platform for inclusive culture
“On 8 January 2018, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Abbemuseum launch a new initiative: STUDIO i – platform for inclusive culture. The two museums founded STUDIO i – where the ‘i’ stands for inclusion – to provide a lasting impetus to accessibility and inclusion within the cultural sector. Project leaders are Anouk Heesbeen of the Stedelijk Museum and Marleen Hartjes of the Van Abbemuseum.”