CONFERENCE DOCUMENTATION / MUSEUM WHY? PRACTICE, AGENCY AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE ART MUSEUM (ENG)

Introduction by conference organizers postdoc Rasmus Holmboe (DK), curator Nanna Balslev Strøjer (DK) and professor Mikkel Bogh (DK).

Art museums stand at a crossroads, grappling with dynamic challenges and demands for transformation. Western hegemonic ideas of art, culture, and knowledge, which have historically defined the self-understanding of museums are rightly being questioned. External political and economic pressures reshape the objectives of art museums as well as the ever-evolving landscape of artistic production challenges established and institutionalised museum practices.

The conference Museum Why? Practice, Agency and Knowledge in the Art Museum dives into these questions and dilemmas and asks why we have art museums and how we might create more impactful, inclusive, and relevant institutions. The conference convenes more than 30 international scholars, curators, museum professionals and artists to discuss and develop ideas for the future of art museums.