CAA 2024 Changing Viewpoints, Shifting Narratives: Tangled Stories of Renaissance Objects (1300-1600)

Museums and galleries across the world are facing numerous financial, ethical and practical challenges, and curators and collection managers are expected to use these opportunities to transform and adapt permanent collections and exhibition displays in order to cater to diverse audiences. The study of cross-cultural interactions during the so-called Renaissance period has led to the re-telling of narratives from more inclusive viewpoints by scholars and curators alike. By bringing stories of global encounters into the foreground, as well as analysing the circumstances that led to the acquisition of Renaissance objects, curators can engage in a more meaningful way with non-traditional audiences and local communities, while simultaneously emphasising the relevance of Renaissance collections in today’s world.

Our panel session will explore how curators can navigate the challenges of current curatorial practice, and how to facilitate meaningful interactions between Renaissance objects and audiences. Papers will share examples of museum work that opens Renaissance collections to a wider public, amongst the following other topics:

• Contemporary responses to Renaissance objects

• Decolonising/Decentering Renaissance collections (provenance and collecting history)

• Community engagement projects

• Educational programmes

• Use of modern technologies such as VR, AR, AI, immersive experiences, video games

• Foregrounding transcultural and transhistorical narratives

This session seeks to provide a platform to exchange ideas on how to reinterpret Renaissance collections. It also offers an opportunity for speakers to share personal experiences and insights into audience engagement.

Organisers:

Dr Serenella Sessini, V&A

Dr Talitha M. G. Schepers, Harvard Art Museum