How do you create great storytelling?
Good storytelling can be easily achieved by following a few simple rules.
Nowadays, there is a conscious effort to move away from elitist ideas. Museums are striving to be more accessible and diverse and to reflect social diversity. But why does this seem so complicated?
We must not forget the history of the museum: Museums were originally private collections owned by the elite and served as cabinets of art and curiosities for the rich and powerful. These collections often contained rare or exotic artifacts, scientific specimens and works of art and reflected the personal interests of the collectors. The Enlightenment laid the foundations for the modern museum, which increasingly focused on accessibility, education and the public dissemination of knowledge.
Despite efforts to democratize museums, there are still challenges in terms of equal opportunities, representation, inclusive content and offerings. Museums need to engage more with issues of cultural sensitivity, restitution of artifacts and dealing with historical imbalances.
Today, museums have a broader educational mission that aims to appeal to different target groups and promote critical thinking. The digital transformation in museums also raises questions about the impact of technology on the authenticity of the museum experience. Since Walter Benjamin's essay "The work of art in the age of its technical reproducibility", there has been a debate about the "aura" of art. What place does this discussion have in the world of the digital? Some argue that the physical presence of artifacts and the immersive quality of personal visits cannot be fully reproduced in the digital world. Is this a reactionary stance or is the question more valid today than ever?
For the general public, however, the discourse surrounding the aura may once again seem elitist. So back to the starting point: how do we make the museum accessible? What role does mediation play in the museum? We see the museum in the process of digital transformation. If you ask me, this is a critical moment for us to move towards a truly more engaging museum experience, taking into account different perspectives. We can use numerous tools such as social media, smart audio guides and dialogic outreach programs to provide behind-the-scenes insights and overcome the patterns of exclusivity.
Can museums ensure that they remain relevant and make the knowledge and history they collect accessible to different population groups?
Outreach plays a key role for the museum in the 21st century and will lead the way. Let's not miss this opportunity.
How are great audio experiences created?
