The National Gallery in London is initiating a citizens' assembly called NG Citizens, comprising members from various UK communities to inform its governance. Invitations will be sent to 15,000 households, and 50 participants will be chosen through a civic lottery to form a representative panel. This group will contribute to the museum's policy and direction for five years. The intent is to integrate audience needs into decision-making, reflecting the UK's diversity, while raising debates about museum governance and the relevance of cultural institutions in modern society.
"The gallery aims to shape its programmes and priorities around the needs and aspirations of communities across the UK," the statement continues, adding that the final group will reflect the wide diversity of the UK.
"I think it probably is quite radical for a London national museum, especially one as traditionally part of the establishment as the National Gallery...But is the gallery actually changing its governance model or is it more sophisticated audience research?"
"[The initiative] highlights a fundamental question facing all museums: how can cultural institutions remain relevant and accessible in an increasingly fractured world?"
"Reaching out to non-visitors and democratising access are essential priorities. But I don't think a Citizens' Assembly of 50 participants selected by a civic lottery is the right way to achieve this."
#national-gallery #citizens-assembly #museum-governance #public-participation #cultural-institutions
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