Question colonial contexts and find new approaches

Center for Experimental Ethnography’s “Settler Colonialism, Slavery, and the Problem of Decolonizing

Resources from the 2021 conference “Settler Colonialism, Slavery, and the Problem of Decolonizing Museums" co-presented by the Center for Experimental Ethnography and the Penn Museum. The event looked at 're-evaluating practices and asking 'what might repair look like?'. Photo gallery and a decolonisation video playlist.

Image shows mural 'Decolonize And Chill/We Are Still Here', by artist and community activist Jaque Fragua.

The Decolonising of Aboriginal Representation on our Screens

Host Leila Gurruwiwi and panel discuss First Peoples' identity, how First Nations people want to be portrayed, and the Australian film and television industry.

Participatory Grantmaking Aims to Dismantle Power Imbalances between Funders and Communities

An interview with Urban Institute fellow Jasmine Johnson about participatory grant making. It provides insights into some of these knowledge gaps through a qualitative study of 10 funders in small, midsize, and large cities across the USA. Johnson gives key takeaways from her study in this interview, three things to consider before adopting participatory grant making and the challenges of using this funding model.

Does the Museum Model Work?

Can art museums break away from their original purpose as a 'civilising' influence to be redefined as spaces that actually serve the communities in which they reside? The article includes quotes from former Queens Museum President and Executive Director Laura Raicovich and Chaédria LaBouvier, the first black curator and black woman to organize an exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum, who spoke out about being sidelined in the promotion of the Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibit she curated.

How the Art of Social Practice Is Changing the World, One Row House at a Time

Artist Rick Lowe transformed derelict houses over 20 years into a thriving, African American cultural hub that preserves the community's roots. It is both a work of art and an act of community organising.

How To Co-Create: Practical Lessons From The Field

Co-creation can be misused, and the various risks that come with co-creation are explored in this guide. Alongside this are tips for using ethical methods that can help to reap the benefits of shared power and authorship. This guide warns against generic solutions, stating that local, societal factors must always be taken into account.

What Does It Mean to Decolonize a Museum?

An article looking at different interpretations of what decolonizing a museum means. Challenging white supremacy, reflecting diversity, choice of language and the importance of having conversations about power and authority are discussed. The piece ends with a quote from Olga Viso: museums "must position themselves as learning communities, not impenetrable centers of self-validating authority.”

Redefining Afro-Colombian culture and traditions via dance and movement

Sankofa Danzafro is a dance company that creates new discourses through Afro contemporary dance as a means to revindicate the Afro-Colombian culture in Medellín and other regions of Colombia.

“In this way, the voice of the ignored ones is amplified, people who for centuries have been considered objects of study claim, through dance, to be treated as subjects of knowledge to be heard and seen for the right to self-representation.” - Rafael Palacios , Founder, Sankofa Danzafro

Building libraries to improve literacy

In the Philippines, the Library Renewal Partnership is working to change low literacy rates by building libraries in poor communities. Since 2010, they have helped build over 1,110 libraries, in areas populated by minorities and marginalised citizens.

Combining the traditions of Forest Theatre and Street Theatre

Brazil's Vivarte focuses on research and promotion of Amazonian traditional cultures. It works with the storytelling and mythology threaded through the daily life of indigenous communities and their environment.

“Forest Theatre is alive, because the forest is alive. Like the forest, it is in constant transformation.” - Dani Mirini, Director, Vivarte

Pride and passion in arts from poor communities

Teatro Zona Norte means ‘North Zone Theatre’, referring to a territory in Rio de Janeiro where middle class and poor people live. The theatre began in March 2019 and holds drama, dance, visual arts and performance workshops for predominantly Black communities with low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Safety considerations when working with people from diverse genders, sexualities and cultures

According to NAVA, Institutions and arts workers have a duty of care to ensure the safety of artists and communities engaged in their spaces.

The aim of this guide is to help the reader consider the specificities and complexities of experiences of gender, sexuality and culture and to share suggestions for adopting culturally safer practice. It touches upon intersectionality, cultural competency, prioritising discretion and disclosure of identity and includes safety tools for action.

Transforming Communities

Featuring Imagine case studies from Ethiopia (Fekat Circus), Egypt (Orchestra Al-Nour Wal Amal) and Australia (ActNow Theatre), this online session looks at organisations and initiatives that use various art forms, such as dance, theatre, film, storytelling, and music, to empower marginalised communities, promote social change, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for human rights.