What Are Museums For? by Jon Sleigh

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What Are Museums For? by Jon Sleigh

Museums today are a cultural battleground. Jon Sleigh maintains that museums must be for all people and inclusion must be at the heart of everything they do. He uses museum objects from different museums to explore trust-building, representation, digital access, conflicting narratives, removal from display and restitution.

"The coffee conversations with museum changemakers we have been waiting forEmotional, insightful, and deeply human." Angela Stienne, University of Leicester


‘Revealing the museum experience to be emotive as well as intellectual, this book presents a succinct and articulate clarion-call for equitable access.’

Sophie Hatchwell, University of Birmingham

“Cannot recommend this heartfelt, generous and expansive book enough. Never didactic or patronising, Sleigh is endlessly curious, thought provoking and socially conscious – the perfect guide to our museums and the people who make them today!” Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum


“A lovingly written, generous book that gives voice to the art workers who are at the heart of shaping the museums of today and tomorrow.” Alice Procter, author of The Whole Picture

“Sleigh explores museums as sites of discomfort, community and emotion, revealing not just what they are, but what they could and should be."

Sean Curran, Historic England

"Inclusion isn't just a task for a select few — it's a collective responsibility. Through heartfelt personal narratives, expert insights, and a real time live tour, Sleigh empowers us to redistribute power beyond the confines of the museum worker, fostering a culture where everyone plays a vital role in creating the museums our communities deserve." Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, Museum of London

Jon Sleigh is a freelance arts and heritage Learning Curator, working nationally connecting audiences with artworks and collections for their advocacy. He was formerly Learning Officer for the Arts Council Collection based at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9781529231397
ISBN 10 1529231396
Title What Are Museums For?
Author Jon Sleigh
Series What Is It For?
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Paperback
Publisher Bristol University Press
Year published 2024-06-25
Number of pages 166
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.