Leiden University Student Repository

Lambert, Róisín (2024)

Keeping the mind in mind: Assessing what art museums can learn from Alzheimer’s and dementia initiatives for the future of community-focused programming

Master thesis | Arts and Culture (MA)

This thesis explores the future of community-focused programming in art museums, emphasising the potential of art for psychological healing, digital tools for social sustainability, and participatory design. Examining two primary case studies: the House of Memories and Meet Me at MoMA programs, it analyses their approaches towards inclusion, participation, and accessibility whilst drawing lessons for connecting theory with practice. It explores the ideas behind participatory museology through concepts such as ‘third space’ theory, and its influence on each initiative. The Meet Me at MoMA program, focusing on the soothing power of art for Alzheimer's patients, exemplifies successful inclusivity and accessibility in the museum. The House of Memories program serves as a participatory and community-focused model that uses digital museology to its advantage. The thesis assesses the museums' social responsibility, particularly when it comes to co-collaboration with underrepresented groups...Show moreThis thesis explores the future of community-focused programming in art museums, emphasising the potential of art for psychological healing, digital tools for social sustainability, and participatory design. Examining two primary case studies: the House of Memories and Meet Me at MoMA programs, it analyses their approaches towards inclusion, participation, and accessibility whilst drawing lessons for connecting theory with practice. It explores the ideas behind participatory museology through concepts such as ‘third space’ theory, and its influence on each initiative. The Meet Me at MoMA program, focusing on the soothing power of art for Alzheimer's patients, exemplifies successful inclusivity and accessibility in the museum. The House of Memories program serves as a participatory and community-focused model that uses digital museology to its advantage. The thesis assesses the museums' social responsibility, particularly when it comes to co-collaboration with underrepresented groups and those with unique needs. Delving into the therapeutic nature of art, it argues that art museums can be recommended as ‘social prescriptions’. It contends that this approach is a form of intersectional care, as an improvement of wellbeing is a common need across all communities, specifically those who have been historically underrepresented in museums. The complexities concerning the museum’s status as a ‘custodian’ of memory and identity are addressed, as well as the many challenges regarding diversification. It highlights the role of digital tools in museum evolution, advocating for digital innovation as an essential instrument for the future of community programming. The concluding remarks emphasise the need for art museums to introspectively use lessons from each case studies’ program, and assesses the role of the therapeutic nature of art for creating relevant community initiatives for diverse audiences. The thesis provides a comprehensive assessment of the evolving role of art museums, offering insights into community intersection, and possible paths for shaping inclusive, accessible, and community-focused institutions through the examination of Alzheimer’s and dementia initiatives already in circulation.Show less

Participatory museology, museum responsibility, social responsibility, mental health, disability, third spaces, art museums, digital museology, community, community programming, social prescription, Meet me at MoMa, House of Memories

Author

Lambert, Róisín

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Museum Studies

Supervisors

Dr. M. Keblusek

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en