OAFP 9365 - Audiences in Anglo-saxon museums : issues, trends and innovations

This course explores leading-edge museum practices in Anglo-Saxon countries, with a particular focus on audience engagement strategies. We will examine emerging trends driven by technological innovation, their impact on museum management, and the challenges they pose for museum professionals. The course will address as well recent developments unrelated to technology that are shaping the sector. Particular focus will be placed on a new and pressing question for museum directors: How can institutions make their entire collections—including those in storage—accessible to the public?

No prior knowledge is required.

• This course follows a flipped classroom format, which requires thorough preparation in advance. However, it allows for rich and engaging in-class discussions.
• To effectively prepare for the group project, students will need to engage in regular discussions throughout the semester outside of scheduled class time.

Flipped Classroom: (Lectures in the form of recorded PowerPoint presentations and illustrative videos) will be sent to students in advance, followed by interactive sessions dedicated to questions and discussion.

Meetings with Museum Professionals

Assignments required of students::

 A brainstorming exercise on existing initiatives to open museum’s storage (Each student will have to prepare his or her arguments in advance and provide a summary note) (30% of the grade)

 A group-based field analysis, requiring students to apply the concepts studied throughout the course, will focus on developing a set of audience policy recommendations for a new museum set to open in 2026. This work will culminate in a written analysis report and an oral presentation. (30% of the grade)

 Session Preparation: Students are expected to prepare three analytical slides that reflect on the case studies discussed. The analysis should address the following question: What insights can I draw from these concrete examples when taking a step back and adopting the perspective of a cultural institution leader? The slides should highlight key strengths and management takeaways relevant to institutional strategy and decision-making. (30% of the grade)

 Class Contribution: Active and thoughtful participation is expected in each session. Students are encouraged to engage critically with the material : (10% of the grade)