Report encourages better cultural response to migration

Guidance for museums working with migrant groups and wanting to facilitate intercultural dialogue has been published by the Network of European Museum Organisations (NEMO).

‘Museums, migration and cultural diversity’ sets out recommendations to inspire museums and galleries to find a “multi-perspective and multicultural approach” to their work and collections and help find better ways of working with a range of different communities, migrants, refugees and minorities.

Originally published by the German Museums Association, the report proposes practical strategies for achieving greater cultural diversity in the context of the core museum tasks – collecting, exhibiting and outreach. It describes small changes that “can be implemented at a reasonable cost” as well as organisation-wide measures that would require longer-term processes. Recommended measures include:

• Intensifying visitor research
• Finding new communication channels
• Initiating contact with relevant partners in the community
• Providing training in intercultural skills for all employees
• Developing a culturally diverse workforce, while acquiring expertise using ‘cultural translators’

NEMO’s Chair, David Vuillaume, and Secretary General, Julia Pagel, said: “Culture, cultural heritage and in particular museums can offer flexibility and individual, tailored answers to the challenges of integrating migrants and refugees in society. In fact, they can do this much better than many political instruments do…This publication aims to make museums aware of their potential in the context of a diverse society…”