Finding Clarity in Collaboration: Practitioner Perspectives of Collaborative Exhibition Development

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe practitioners’ perspectives of new and different exhibition development models in art museums. The study focused on characterizing these models, and describing their perceived benefits, and challenges. Using a case study design, data were collected from 4 art museums though semi-structured focus groups, and analysis of exhibition documents. Findings suggest that art museum practitioners see these models as highly collaborative and democratic, with clearly defined processes and a consistent focus on visitor learning. The benefits of these models included a sense of personal buy-in for practitioners, and an overarching clarity of purpose for those involved in the exhibition development process. The results of this study offer the museum field an opportunity to understand collaboration and participatory design in exhibition development, and the impacts of such a process on those involved.