How museums help communities heal | Honor Harger

Science Museum Director's Experience During the Pandemic

The Science Museum director reflects on the impact of the pandemic on their institution and how they adapted to the new challenges.

Challenges Faced by the Museum

• The museum saw a drastic decrease in visitation by 89% due to pandemic restrictions.

• Traditional museum operations and programs had to be reevaluated as they were no longer viable.

• Quick adaptation was necessary, leading to the launch of an online program called "Art Science at Home."

Embracing Change and Innovation

• The shift to online platforms allowed for broader community engagement and inclusion of marginalized voices.

• Hosting conferences with diverse speakers highlighted new perspectives and stories that needed to be shared.

Futuristic Visions Amidst Crisis

Discussing the importance of imagination and envisioning different futures during times of crisis.

Importance of Imagination

• Imagination is a powerful tool for envisioning alternative futures, especially during crises like the pandemic.

What Museums Can Do Without Physical Spaces

The discussion revolves around how museums can engage with their community and collaborators when physical spaces are inaccessible.

Challenges Faced by Museums

• Institutions and practitioners need to think radically different due to the unavailability of physical spaces.

• Museums in Singapore are still closed, prompting the need for innovative operational strategies during reopening phases.

Innovative Approaches During Closure

Exploring innovative strategies employed by museums during closure and plans for reopening.

Operational Innovations

• Emphasis on careful planning for staff and audience safety upon reopening.

• Art Science at Home initiative facilitates global engagement and storytelling beyond traditional programs.

Community Engagement and Awareness

Discussing the impact of the pandemic on community awareness and marginalized groups' experiences.

Community Empowerment

• Pandemic highlights existing inequalities, prompting a moral obligation to amplify marginalized voices.

• Museum aims to provide a platform for communities to share their stories authentically, fostering inclusivity in narratives.

Interplay Between Art and Science

Exploring the intersection of art and science in shaping a brighter future amidst challenges like the global pandemic.

Synergy of Art and Science

• Collaboration between art's empathy and science's knowledge leads to profound insights.

Excellent Question on Cultural Institutions' Response to Black Lives Matter Movement

The discussion revolves around the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement on cultural institutions worldwide and the importance of listening to underrepresented communities.

Cultural Institutions' Response to Black Lives Matter

• Museums are striving to engage with communities that have historically been overlooked, providing platforms for their voices to be heard.

• Highlighting the significance of showcasing diverse voices, such as featuring films like "Salary Day" by a migrant worker in Singapore, validating unique narratives.

• Empowering communities by allowing them to share their stories and experiences, bridging gaps between different groups through art and culture.

• Acknowledgment of art's transformative power in influencing societal change, emphasizing the role of cultural institutions in promoting dialogue and understanding.

Impact of Pandemic on Museum Values and Future Direction

The conversation delves into how the pandemic has prompted museums to reevaluate their values, particularly focusing on care for communities and long-term impacts.

Reevaluation of Museum Values Post-Pandemic

• Through workshops during lockdown, museum staff recognized the central role of care in their profession, leading to a shift in institutional values towards community well-being.

• The emphasis on caring as a core identity for museum professionals is expected to bring lasting changes in how institutions approach their work and engage with audiences.

• Anticipating a sustained focus on community care beyond the current crisis, indicating a fundamental shift in museum practices towards prioritizing empathy and support.

Expanding Access to Art Through Digital Platforms

Exploring how digital platforms have broadened access to art during the pandemic, transforming traditional notions of engaging with cultural content.

Digital Transformation in Art Accessibility

• The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online engagement with art, enabling global audiences and individuals facing mobility or financial constraints to participate in cultural experiences.