Revised collection policies

Definition

Revised collection policies refer to updated guidelines and strategies that museums and art institutions use to manage their collections, particularly in response to historical injustices related to colonialism and cultural appropriation. These policies aim to address the ethical implications of collecting practices, ensuring more equitable representation and stewardship of cultural artifacts. By revising their collection policies, institutions acknowledge past wrongs and strive to create a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to curating and displaying art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Revised collection policies often emphasize the importance of provenance research to trace the history and ownership of artifacts, especially those acquired during colonial times.
2. These policies aim to establish partnerships with source communities, allowing for collaborative approaches to exhibition and interpretation of cultural artifacts.
3. Institutions may adopt guidelines that prioritize the return of artifacts acquired through unethical means, reflecting a commitment to justice and reconciliation.
4. Revised collection policies frequently include training for museum staff on cultural sensitivity and the implications of colonial histories in collection practices.
5. By implementing revised collection policies, museums can better reflect diverse narratives in their collections, promoting inclusivity and understanding among visitors.

Review Questions

• How do revised collection policies reflect an institution's response to historical injustices related to colonialism?
  • Revised collection policies demonstrate an institution's acknowledgment of historical injustices by updating guidelines that address ethical issues in collecting practices. These policies aim to correct past wrongs by emphasizing transparency in provenance research, fostering partnerships with source communities, and prioritizing the return of artifacts acquired through colonial exploitation. By doing so, institutions show a commitment to social justice and equity in their representation of cultural heritage.
• In what ways do revised collection policies influence the relationship between museums and source communities?
  • Revised collection policies can significantly enhance the relationship between museums and source communities by promoting collaboration and mutual respect. By engaging these communities in the decision-making process regarding collections, museums can ensure that their narratives are represented authentically. This collaborative approach fosters trust and accountability, allowing institutions to develop more culturally sensitive exhibitions that honor the perspectives of those whose heritage is being displayed.
• Evaluate the potential challenges institutions may face when implementing revised collection policies in the context of decolonization efforts.
  • When implementing revised collection policies as part of decolonization efforts, institutions may encounter several challenges, including resistance from stakeholders who view these changes as threatening traditional practices or values. Additionally, limited resources may hinder comprehensive training for staff on cultural sensitivity or provenance research. Furthermore, navigating legal frameworks around ownership and repatriation can complicate relationships with source communities. Despite these obstacles, the ongoing dialogue about ethics in collecting offers opportunities for growth and learning within the museum sector.

Related terms

Cultural Repatriation: The process of returning cultural artifacts or human remains to their place of origin or descendants, often driven by ethical considerations and requests from source communities.

Decolonization: The undoing of colonial practices, ideologies, and structures, which includes addressing the impact of colonialism on culture, identity, and power dynamics.

Community Engagement: The practice of involving local communities in decision-making processes regarding cultural heritage, collections, and exhibitions to ensure their voices and perspectives are represented.