Battle for the Museum, 9781787387751
Hardcover
Museums: where culture, power, and politics collide in a fierce battle.

Battle for the Museum

cultural institutions in crisis

$37.55

  • Hardcover

    288 pages

  • Release Date

    5 September 2024

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Summary

Battle for the Museum: Culture, Power, and the Fight for Representation

Culture and power have been intertwined since the dawn of civilization. However, in our current era, museums and their exhibitions have become deeply enmeshed in contentious political debates. Protests are ousting problematic patrons and curators, and museums face increasing pressure to sever ties with fossil fuel sponsors. Activists champion equality and diversity, while denouncing the exploitation of artists a…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9781787387751
ISBN-10:1787387755
Author:Rachel Spence
Publisher:C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
Imprint:C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
Format:Hardcover
Number of Pages:288
Release Date:5 September 2024
Weight:498g
Dimensions:216mm x 138mm
What They're Saying

Critics Review

‘This is a brave book, fluently written, at times almost in a torrent… . It will make compelling reading for anyone interested in contemporary art and where it’s heading. I’ve rarely read a book where the thinking is so transparent.’

– Literary Review

‘A furious, heartfelt, and timely exploration of the pressures facing museums from activists on staff and online […] who want museums to mirror their values.’

– Australian Book Review

‘Uncovers the unsettling truth behind art-washing and misdeeds.’

– Geographical Magazine

‘A useful overview.’

– Hyperallergic

‘Searing and unflinching, this is a brutally and brilliantly honest analysis, revealing a topsy-turvy world of hypocrisy and ideals, complacency and protest, cruelty and beauty. Museums–and your place in them–will never look the same to you again.’

– Chip Colwell, former curator and author of Stuff: Humanity’s Epic Journey from Naked Ape to Nonstop Shopper

‘A thought-provoking book, raising many questions about museums and their institutional values, art and its representation.’

– Sarah Schulman, activist, historian and author of The Gentrification of the Mind

About The Author

Rachel Spence

Rachel Spence is an arts writer and poet. Her reviews, features and reporting, chiefly for the Financial Times, often cover freedom of expression, and the politics behind international cultural institutions or programmes. Her poetry collections include Bird of Sorrow; Call and Response, and Venice Unclocked, a journey through Venice.

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