Education in Museums and Heritage (EDUMaH)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10062/105998

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Scottish museums’ approaches to post-colonial narratives
(Tartu Ülikool, 2024) Terry, Ethan; Grima, Reuben John, juhendaja; Seljamaa, Elo-Hanna, juhendaja; McColl, Margaret, juhendaja; Tartu Ülikool. Humanitaarteaduste ja kunstide valdkond; Tartu Ülikool. Kultuuriteaduste instituut
This research uses Curating Discomfort in the Hunterian Museum and Glasgow – City of Empire in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum as case studies. This research is the first to examine the new permanent post-colonial displays in these two Scottish museums. The problems addressed are gaps regarding how emerging approaches to post-colonial interpretations can be practically implemented in Scottish museums and how curation processes can be decolonised. The purpose of this research is to determine how Scottish museums present post-colonial narratives, how democratic the curation process was and how effectively these approaches engaged visitors. The research is qualitative and constructivist. The data sources include interviews with relevant museum staff, visitor observations and documentary sources. The data was triangulated and analysed within a multiple case studies design. Whereas the Kelvingrove created an exhibit for these narratives, the Hunterian opted for an intervention centred around existing exhibit space. The key findings show that both projects were curated by temporary curatorial teams managed by an ethnic minority permanent curator. There was minimal outreach to source communities during the curation processes. Glasgow – City of Empire appeals to different types of learners through multiple types of display. Curating Discomfort fails to remind visitors to think critically meaning that the labels too often rely on didacticism. Glasgow – City of Empire prompted more tours of and stops within the space than Curating Discomfort. The research offers a guideline to other museums on how to approach post-colonial projects by highlighting good practice and outlining what pitfalls to avoid.
Beyond the author’s house : the potential for participatory storytelling in general literary museums
(Tartu Ülikool, 2024) Rempel, Sarah; Seljamaa, Elo-Hanna, juhendaja; Debono, Sandro, juhendaja; McColl, Margaret, juhendaja; Tartu Ülikool. Humanitaarteaduste ja kunstide valdkond; Tartu Ülikool. Kultuuriteaduste instituut
This study explores the evolving role of literary museums, traditionally synonymous with writers' house museums, which have historically romanticised authors' lives, acted as markers of education for the elite, and almost exclusively been designed for tourists. The research, focused primarily on the UK and Ireland, examines how in contrast, general literary museums are overlooked cultural assets, demonstrating shifts from passive exhibits toward dynamic, future-focused spaces that foster participatory storytelling, lifelong learning, and wellbeing. Addressing the limitations of treating visitors as observers only, this study asks how literary museums can serve as tools for social action and creativity, empowering audiences to participate in the process. Previous research explores these tensions in relation to literary tourism as well as museums more broadly. Through case studies of the Glasgow Women’s Library and the Museum of Literature Ireland, this research highlights how these two museums utilise storytelling and multipurpose use of space to create inclusive, collaborative learning environments. The findings suggest that literary museums have the capacity to engage and merge traditional and contemporary forms of literacy, empower marginalised voices and contribute to a more inclusive narrative. This work is significant for museum educators and policymakers to realise the potential of literary museums as post-museum spaces, not only engaged with the past but also supporting future generations of critical thinkers, writers and storytellers.
Beyond barriers : nurturing an inclusive art museum landscape for adults with autism in Scotland
(Tartu Ülikool, 2024) Pursley, Rebecca; Debono, Sandro, juhendaja; Kreegipuu, Tiiu, juhendaja; McColl, Margaret, juhendaja; Tartu Ülikool. Humanitaarteaduste ja kunstide valdkond; Tartu Ülikool. Kultuuriteaduste instituut
In recent years, the growing recognition of neurodiversity has prompted a critical reassessment of inclusivity within cultural institutions. This desk-based study examines the current accessibility for adults with autism in Scottish art museums, looking at the Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the National Gallery of Scotland, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. By analysing existing policies, programs, and physical spaces, this research identifies significant gaps that hinder full participation by neurodiverse individuals. It highlights the challenges faced by autistic adults in navigating museum environments, such as sensory overload, lack of tailored communication, and insufficient staff training. Based on these findings, recommendations for improvement are proposed, advocating for inclusive design principles, enhanced staff education, and the creation of specialised programs. This framework aims to foster a more inclusive museum experience, ensuring that art museums in Scotland can serve as welcoming spaces for all visitors, regardless of neurodiversity.
Colonialism, empire, and slavery in Scottish museum exhibitions : a qualitative evaluation of policy implementation for critical learning outcomes
(Tartu Ülikool, 2024) McLaughlin, Rhona; Kõresaar, Ene, juhendaja; Brown, Maria, juhendaja; McColl, Margaret, juhendaja; Tartu Ülikool. Humanitaarteaduste ja kunstide valdkond; Tartu Ülikool. Kultuuriteaduste instituut
This dissertation investigates how exhibitions about colonialism, empire and slavery in Scottish museums are designed, experienced and how education is emphasised. This is done through the evaluation of the implementation of recent recommendations from the Steering Group in ‘Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums’. The study aims to address the gap in the Scottish education system and highlight that museums can be a place where different perspectives and alternative histories can be taught, and critical thinking can occur. The research questions were explored through three case study exhibitions; Glasgow – City of Empire, Curating Discomfort, and Plant Journeys: Stories of East Asian Plants in Hornel’s Home and Garden. A qualitative research methodology was employed, involving interviews with museum professionals and personal observations of exhibitions. The research also analyses visitor feedback, collected though focus groups, to evaluate the impact of these exhibitions on the public’s understanding of Scotland’s colonial past and the development of critical thinking. The findings reveal a variance in the degree to which museums have successfully integrated the Steering group recommendations, how education is emphasised and the development of critical perspectives in visitors. There remains a need for more consistent and comprehensive approaches in application of the Steering Group recommendations across the sector. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the change of narratives in museums and argues that museum exhibitions can be a productive learning space for complex subjects such as colonialism, empire and slavery. It also sheds light on the gap between polices and action as an area of improvement in museum practices.
Engaging the elderly in museum education : a study of the Age Well sessions at Glasgow museums
(Tartu Ülikool, 2024) Huang, Chia-Yu; Anguix-Vilches, Laia, juhendaja; Laidla, Janet, juhendaja; McColl, Margaret, juhendaja; Tartu Ülikool. Humanitaarteaduste ja kunstide valdkond; Tartu Ülikool. Kultuuriteaduste instituut
This study is created to explore the design and implementation of the Age Well Sessions conducted in Glasgow Museums, aiming to reveal the programme’s foundational philosophies, engaging strategies, and guiding principles. It seeks to capture the frontline designers’ and educators’ perspectives on the programme’s implementation and development in engaging older adults and how these insights constantly shape and support the programme’s evolution. Furthermore, the research explores the identified challenges and opportunities of the sessions in meeting the diverse needs of elderly participants from the initiators’ experience, revealing issues such as resource limitations, transportation, the challenge of reaching minority groups, and so on. Besides this, the study investigates potential future developments or adjustments of the Age Well Sessions to meet the evolving needs of its target audience. By delving into these details, the study may bring broader discussions on ageing, cultural engagement, and the role of museum education in fostering creative ageing and lifelong learning among older adults. This focus underscores the importance of inclusive and accessible museum practices which are helpful to enhance mutual enrichment between museums and the elderly community within the UK’s societal context.
A study on the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement on public programming in American museums
(Tartu Ülikool, 2024) Kim, Mimi; Debono, Sandro, juhendaja; Jõesalu, Kirsti, juhendaja; McColl, Margaret, juhendaja; Tartu Ülikool. Humanitaarteaduste ja kunstide valdkond; Tartu Ülikool. Kultuuriteaduste instituut
The Black Lives Matter movement was a key event for bringing attention to the subject of anti-racism in all different spheres of American culture, including museums. This paper seeks to understand whether the movement has had long-term effects on the programming of three American museums, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Walker Art Center. By analysing the programs that each museum has conducted between 2019 and 2024, this study will determine if there has been a positive change towards including more anti-racist programming in museums. To give context to the analysis, the American museum system is discussed, as well as the history of Black Lives Matter, and the general state of decolonisation, participatory practices, and public programming in museums.

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