Navigating the (un)known
There are several exciting initiatives at the Museum of London and the Museum in Docklands. For one, the new Medieval London gallery opened in November 2005. The modern London galleries aim to revisit the period from 1666 to the present along with a space allowing temporary exhibitions. Thirdly, there is the redesign and rethinking of the collections at the Museum in Docklands to provide for more people-orientated and integrative histories.
Diversity is one of the top priorities in conceiving, planning and designing these galleries. However, there could be the added problem of unevenness where older galleries have to be updated and integrated more fully with contemporary interests in diversity. There could also be a problem if all funds and energy are siphoned into large-scale and ambitious ventures, which effectively sidelines smaller projects and community work. Maintaining balance is key here.
The possibilities for uncovering new perspectives are rich and wondrous once diversity is not just seen as a minority, but as a mainstream interest and is thus embedded throughout all museum planning and activities as it is in society. Even if we cannot make immediate use of its insights we still benefit from being informed about debates on diversity. Who knows what surprises lie in store once perspectives are altered?
Often when confronted with the mists of time, we have a tendency to fall back upon our learned conventions, to navigate the unknown with a set of tools and ideas which may well be inappropriate to uncover other historical truths that lie waiting for us.
Being alert to issues about diversity is just the first step. The second, once armed with this critical thinking, is to imaginatively implement the insights so that they almost become second nature. More often than not, it is most revealing and rewarding to throw caution to the wind, forge ahead with an open mind, and see what new pathways emerge and with them eclipsed stories otherwise consigned to the shadows.
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