Here is a selection from the ArtsAccess Project’s “Community Arts & the Museum: A Handbook for Institutions Interested in Community Arts” (download in PDF (7.45MB)
Why Community Arts in an Institutional Setting? The Guiding Principles
“The decision to undertake a community arts project in an institutional setting requires a commitment to the principles and methods of that artistic practice and a willingness to be transformed by its effects. These effects can be unexpected and they demand risk-taking and self-reflection. Establishing guiding principles at the outset of a project can assist in this process of self-reflection and in negotiating the meeting of community arts and institutional practices. These principles include:
Democratizing Museum Practice
Institutions, community artists, community partners and participants will enter into relationships of sharing, negotiation and communication on an equal footing and with ethical motivations. The equality of all relationships will be sustained through responsiveness, self-reflection and ongoing dialogue.
Building Community
The sincere desire to be a good neighbour, to connect with others and to exchange knowledge and skills builds trust with the community and within the institution. Vast networks and relationships will emerge to support the work and those involved in it.
Improving Participation and Access
Community members will become active participants in the life of the institution. Projects will develop with — not merely for — community members, and resources will be available to all.
Potential for Transformation of the Institution and of the Community
The institution will take the risks that can lead to transformation. It will respect, support and integrate community arts practices and be open to the changes these practices can bring.”
-The handbook was compiled and edited by Tara Turner and Judith Koke. This selection is posted with permission from Judith Koke; Deputy Director, Education and Public Programming at Art Gallery of Ontario
“This handbook is the legacy of the ArtsAccess project, a four year partnership between the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, and the Woodland Cultural Center…This handbook is for anyone, artist, museum or community organization – interested in creating a community art project.” (from the AGO’s Art Matters Blog)
