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Understanding and Implementing Inclusion in Museums

Italo Calvino

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Museums have a long history of excluding people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized groups. This exclusion has been both intentional and unintentional, and it has had a profound impact on the way that these groups have experienced museums.

Understanding and Implementing Inclusion in Museums

by Stephen Griffin

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19009 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	192 pages
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In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards inclusion in museums. This movement is driven by the recognition that museums are public institutions that have a responsibility to serve all members of their community. It is also driven by the understanding that inclusion benefits everyone, not just marginalized groups.

There are many ways that museums can become more inclusive. Some of the most important include:

Making physical spaces accessible. This means providing ramps, elevators, and other accommodations for people with disabilities. It also means making sure that exhibits are easy to navigate for people of all ages and abilities.
Creating exhibits that are relevant and engaging for all visitors. This means telling stories that reflect the experiences of marginalized groups and using language that is inclusive of all people.
Providing opportunities for all visitors to participate in museum programs and activities. This means offering programs that are designed for people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized groups. It also means making sure that all visitors feel welcome to participate in museum activities.
Training staff on how to interact with visitors from diverse backgrounds. This means providing staff with training on disability etiquette, cultural sensitivity, and LGBTQ+ awareness. It also means creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all visitors.
Developing policies and procedures that promote inclusion. This means creating policies that prohibit discrimination against marginalized groups and establishing procedures for addressing complaints of discrimination.

Creating a more inclusive museum is not always easy, but it is essential. By taking the steps outlined above, museums can make themselves more welcoming and accessible to all visitors. This will benefit everyone, not just marginalized groups.

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