Museums, Migration and Identity in Europe
Peoples, Places and Identities
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Book Description
The imperatives surrounding museum representations of place have shifted from the late eighteenth century to today. The political significance of place itself has changed and continues to change at all scales, from local, civic, regional to national and supranational. At the same time, changes in population flows, migration patterns and demographic movement now underscore both cultural and political practice, be it in the accommodation of ’diversity’ in cultural and social policy, scholarly explorations of hybridity or in state immigration controls. This book investigates the historical and contemporary relationships between museums, places and identities. It brings together contributions from international scholars, academics, practitioners from museums and public institutions, policymakers, and representatives of associations and migrant communities to explore all these issues.
Author(s)
Biography
Christopher Whitehead is Professor of Museology and a member of Newcastle University's Cultural Affairs Steering Group and the Great North Museum's Board, UK. Rhiannon Mason is Senior Lecturer in Museum, Gallery and Heritage Studies and current Director of the International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies, Newcastle University, UK. Susannah Eckersley is a Lecturer in Museum, Gallery and Heritage Studies, Newcastle University, UK. Katherine Lloyd is a Research Associate at the International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies, Newcastle University, UK.
Reviews
’This volume is a timely and welcome contribution to the growing literature on the role of museums representing migration. With essays blending theory and practice, and a focus on place and belonging, it offers insights into the politics of representation and the conceptualisation of place and identity in European museums - and beyond. It is a valuable resource to anyone working on these issues.’ Laurence Gouriévidis, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France ’Migration has emerged as one of the most productive areas for museum studies in recent years. This is not only because of the increase in numbers of museums about migration but also because these have the potential to raise far-reaching questions about the role of museums in contemporary society. Through its wide range of case studies from Europe, this volume makes a significant contribution to highlighting the diversity of cases and of approaches taken, as well as to how we might analyse such museums.’ Sharon Macdonald, University of York, UK