INCLUDING ALL OF US: RACE AND ETHNICITY IN PORTLAND, OREGON, MUSEUMS
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Authors
Morris, Rebekah N.
Issue Date
2011
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis uses three methodologies to explore these questions. First, a literature review explores how the field as a whole approaches inclusion, from early museums' racism and exclusivity to current inclusive practices that are recommended for other museums to follow. The literature review also introduces what Lois Silverman (2010) calls a movement among museums to take on social justice causes. Finally, this chapter explores race and ethnicity in Portland generally.
The findings of this thesis use 15 interviews and a case study of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry to determine how Portland museums approach inclusion. These findings show a gap in the level of awareness about the need for active inclusion between larger and smaller institutions and a corresponding difference in the level of action taken. The findings further show that while Portland museums conceptualize inclusion along the same lines as the literature, they tend to prioritize one of three major methods of inclusion— financial accessibility, cultural relevance and organizational initiatives—rather than combining them.
In the final chapter of this thesis, I conclude that though many are making commendable efforts to include minority audiences, Portland museums must make changes in order to become spaces that truly welcome all audiences. In addition to small institutions educating themselves on this issue, Portland museums need to use multiple approaches to inclusion and institutionalize these practices. In this chapter, 1 suggest a model for change as museums transform themselves into inclusive spaces, as well as making recommendations to the field about how to implement the changes I suggest.