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ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Diversity, Inclusion, and the Visitor-Centered Art Museum: A Case Study of the Columbus Museum of Art

Zwegat, Zoe E.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1562442682063359

Abstract Details

2019, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Arts Policy and Administration.
Using the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) in Columbus, Ohio as a case study, this thesis explores how American art museums can position themselves to become more diverse and inclusive institutions. The research comes at a critical moment when discussions concerning diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility are mounting in the museum field, the United States is consistently confronting problems with intolerance surrounding difference, and the nation’s minority population is growing exponentially. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with staff members and volunteers associated with the CMA and the analysis of privately and publicly available documents. By examining the CMA’s initiatives, relationships, and organizational priorities, four findings emerged: the visitor-centered focus of the museum positions the institution to better address diversity and inclusion work, the museum operates as an open system that leads to collaboration and innovation, the museum’s emphasis on community relationships results in increased inclusion and diverse perspectives, and the museum provides varied programming that aims to serve a diverse audience. Based on the findings, this study concludes that museums striving to make a commitment to diversity and inclusion should consider operating as an open museum system with a visitor-centered focus and an emphasis on community relationships, as it may enhance diversity and inclusion work. The study also provides recommendations for improved diversity and inclusion work at art museums across the country.
Shoshanah Goldberg-Miller, PhD (Advisor)
Dana Carlisle Kletchka, PhD (Committee Member)
163 p.
Arts Management; Museum Studies; Museums
art museum; diversity; inclusion; visitor-centered museum; participatory museum; visitor engagement; community engagement; systems thinking; reinvented museum; Columbus Museum of Art; Columbus, Ohio

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Zwegat, Z. E. (2019). Diversity, Inclusion, and the Visitor-Centered Art Museum: A Case Study of the Columbus Museum of Art [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1562442682063359

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Zwegat, Zoe. Diversity, Inclusion, and the Visitor-Centered Art Museum: A Case Study of the Columbus Museum of Art. 2019. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1562442682063359.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Zwegat, Zoe. "Diversity, Inclusion, and the Visitor-Centered Art Museum: A Case Study of the Columbus Museum of Art." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1562442682063359

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1562442682063359
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© 2019, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.