Museums and the Public Sphere


Dates: July 29, 2004

Program and Report

Contemporary museums are increasingly engaged in work which contributes to the deliberations of a diverse public sphere, often acting as sites and catalysts for debate on matters of public interest. This work, while tempered with a will to social justice and social inclusion, is equally regulated by the interests of a new managerialisation, government-generated corporatisation and a market-centred cultural identity. This conference seeks to explore the intersections of civil and state interests in museums.

Papers (30 mins.) will investigate the influence of governmentality, managerialisation and professionalism in museums; case studies of relationships outside the museum; and exhibitions that have been the subject of public dispute.

It is anticipated that selected papers will be expanded (up to 8,000 words) for publication in an edited volume after the conference.

This conference seeks to explore the intersections of civil and state interests in museums, particularly in Australia.

Registration form available at: http://www.anu.edu.au/hrc/activities/conferences_2004/MPS_regsform.pdf

For further details contact:
Angela Philp, Humanities Research Centre, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200. Telephone: (02) 6125 0008
Fascimile: (02) 6125 2438
E-mail: angela.philp@anu.edu.au

or

Leena Messina, Humanities Research Centre, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200. Telephone: (02) 6125 4357
Facsimile: (02) 6248 0054
E-mail: leena.messina@anu.edu.au
ANU Cricos Provider No. 00120C