1st Edition

Curatorial Voice The Gatekeeping of Culture

By Laura-Edythe S. Coleman Copyright 2026
100 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

100 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

Curatorial Voice considers the act of curation from a scientific perspective. Questioning the role of curators, the actual act of curation, and the very sound of curatorial voice, Coleman works to dispel the stereotypes that have historically shrouded the work of curators in mystery. This book draws upon groundbreaking, collaborative research conducted in five national museums in the United... Read more

1. A Brief History of Curation, Curators, and the Phenomenon of Curatorial Voice; 2. The Gatekeeping of Culture; 3. How Curators First Responded to the Conversation; 4. Cultural Gatekeeping Mechanisms; 5. Perspectives on Curatorial Voice 2024; Conclusion

Biography

Laura‑Edythe S. Coleman is a trailblazing American researcher in museum studies and information science. She is the co‑editor‑in‑chief for Curator: The Museum Journal. As an Associate Professor at Drexel University, Dr. Coleman’s expertise encompasses museum studies, social justice, political activism, and more. Over the past 13 years, Dr. Coleman’s research has focused on curatorial voice, evaluating museums, advocating for societal change, and mentoring future museum professionals. As a champion of social inclusion, her book Understanding and Implementing Inclusion in Museums has catalyzed ongoing practitioner and academic discussions.