Engaging Young Adults with Modern and Contemporary Art Museums: an Educational Perspective

The present dissertation lays between two field of studies, audience research and museum education. It takes into account those educational programs and activities developed by modern and contemporary art museums to attract an audience between the age of 19 and 35. The educational aspects of museum practice are recently undertaking profound changes. Therefore, the first part of this thesis analyses the literature regarding the changing role of museum education in the last decades. The progressive interaction between education and curatorial practice is discussed together with the appearance of innovative learning theories applied to educational programs. Moreover, the discussion of the diversities between formal and informal education underlines the fundamental role of museum in supporting lifelong learning. The second chapter focuses on the analysis of the audience. Through statistics and surveys the present thesis outlines the necessity of attracting young adults aged between 19...Show moreThe present dissertation lays between two field of studies, audience research and museum education. It takes into account those educational programs and activities developed by modern and contemporary art museums to attract an audience between the age of 19 and 35. The educational aspects of museum practice are recently undertaking profound changes. Therefore, the first part of this thesis analyses the literature regarding the changing role of museum education in the last decades. The progressive interaction between education and curatorial practice is discussed together with the appearance of innovative learning theories applied to educational programs. Moreover, the discussion of the diversities between formal and informal education underlines the fundamental role of museum in supporting lifelong learning. The second chapter focuses on the analysis of the audience. Through statistics and surveys the present thesis outlines the necessity of attracting young adults aged between 19 and 35 years old. The specificities of this target are discussed in order to understand their precise needs. Hence, it is stressed that a diverse approach towards this generation is necessary to support and enhance their potential interest in contemporary art museums. Customized activities and educational programs could possibly increase their presence in museological institutions. The third chapter examines three case studies, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, The Gemeentemuseum in The Hague and the van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven. The comparative analysis of these institutions aims to comprehend whether the recent development of learning theories are implemented in the educational offer of museums. Their different approaches delineate whether there is a scarcity of programs especially developed for the target group in analysis. Eventually, possible appropriate strategies of engagement for young museumgoers are proposed as a valuable solutions for their lack of participation in contemporary art museums.Show less

Leiden University Student Repository

Documents

In Collections

Engaging Young Adults with Modern and Contemporary Art Museums: an Educational Perspective