The socially inclusive role of curatorial voice: a qualitative comparative study of the use of gatekeeping mechanisms of curatorial voice and the co-creation of identity in museums

Abstract

Museums, and museum professionals engage in a significant role within society. This poster visually represents new work within museum informatics: a qualitative exploratory study of the ways in which museum professionals promote or hinder the social inclusivity of a museum through curatorial voice. Through a series of exhibit evaluations and intensive interviews, I investigated the mechanisms used to craft curatorial voice within museums handling contested subject material. This research seeks to broaden the understanding of curatorial voice, as viewed through the theoretical lenses of gatekeeper theory and co-creation of identity, with the explicit purpose of aiding in the development of professional guidance to help make museums more socially inclusive. Preliminary analysis, aided by the curator participants, suggests that are multiple vantage points for viewing the socially inclusive role of curatorial voice, the co-construction of identity, and the gatekeeping mechanisms at play within museums.