Expanding meaningful community participation in museums
Seminar by: Amalia G. Sabiescu
Visiting Researcher at Mediaccions
18 January 2018
14:30-15:30
Sala Gran -UOC
Avda. Tibidabo, 47
Barcelona
Abstract
This talk looks at the potential of participatory media (particularly digital storytelling) for enabling participatory engagements in museums for vulnerable communities – migrant communities and minorities, or communities that are marginalised, underserved and seldom partake in the arts and cultural life of the city. The aim is to shed light on methods and approaches that are rewarding for engaging communities and enabling socio-cultural expression, and on how these can be leveraged for opening up museums as sites of participation and creative expression for these groups. The talk draws on theory on voice and agency, and the critical review of seminal projects and initiatives that are often not put into dialogue as they belong to different disciplinary areas of practice and research, shifting towards either the museum or the community as fulcrum of creative and cultural practice.
Bio
Amalia G. Sabiescu is a communication scientist with an interdisciplinary research track at
the interface between information and communication technology (ICT), culture and
development studies. Her research explores the integration, use and impact of ICT in
cultural and creative practice, community contexts, and intersections with issues of citizen
voice, participation, and social inclusion. She works as a researcher in the Institute for Media
and Creative Industries at Loughborough University London.