Curatorial Collaborations: Exhibitions for Social Justice
Author Elena Gonzales shared highlights from her new book "Exhibitions for Social Justice," which examines interesting new curatorial work and best practices - from sharing authority to inspiring action, from building solidarity to forging long-lasting memories. Gonzales was in conversation with local museum professionals that work directly with diverse communities to address issues of social change that are featured in the publication: Cesareo Moreno, Director of Visual Arts & Chief Curator, National Museum of Mexican Art; Amanda Friedeman, Assistant Director of Education, Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center; and Jennifer Scott, former Director, and Chief Curator, Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. The panel shared examples of new and recent work that innovatively addresses challenging social topics around gentrification, citizenship, immigration, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, racism, anti-Semitism, and incarceration. The panel ending with the museum professionals asking questions to challenge their colleagues to come back better. This program was presented in partnership with the Museum and Exhibition Studies, University of Illinois, Chicago.