The transformation of museums through feminism
The recent launch of ‘rethinking the museum’ marks a key moment in the way museum spaces address the genre issue. This initiative, promoted by the Network of Museums of History and Monuments of Catalonia, seeks to integrate a feminist look in all the functional aspects of the museums.
Guide Objectives: More than exhibitions
The manual offers resources and strategies for effective inclusion of the gender perspective, which goes beyond temporary exhibitions. It includes aspects such as conservation, documentation and internal management, with the aim of dismantling the biases that have dominated traditional narratives.
Reflections of the working group
The Museum and Gender Group has been the engine of this project. Liliane Cuesta, curator of the National Ceramics Museum, has been key in the final writing. Cuesta emphasizes the need to consider all areas of museum practice to guarantee a real transformation in the representation of the genre.
A qualitative approach: beyond the figures
The guide promotes a qualitative analysis of gender equality, emphasizing that the figures are not the only indicator of change. Cuesta argues that it is essential to address the complexity of power relationships that involve factors such as social class, ethics, and other dimensions that influence inequality.
Rethink the internal structure of museums
Cuesta also emphasizes the need to restructure the internal dynamics of museums. A more horizontal organizational model could foster greater participation and equality between staff, thus changing the way museums are managed and perceived.
Education and co -education as pillars
The presentation day at the Museum of History of Catalonia was a space for dialogue where experts reflected on the importance of co -education. Professor Guadalupe Jiménez-Esquinas emphasized the need to reconsider the way the heritage is represented and managed, emphasizing the inclusion of various voices.
Practical and innovative examples
Museums like the one in Mataró have already begun reviewing their collections with a feminist approach, showing that the implementation of the guide is viable. In addition, the MHC has created an audio guide that offers a new narrative on its exhibitions, highlighting the female voices that have traditionally been silenced.
A future with a new perspective
The initiative of ‘rethinking the museum’ is not only a step towards gender equality in the museum world, but also an invitation to rethink our relationship with heritage. Thus, it seeks to build a future where all the voices, regardless of the genre, have a place in the narration of our collective history.
