One Way to Shake Up Museum Curation? Hand the Keys to the Kids.

In a move to revamp museum curation, some U.S. institutions are handing over the responsibility to young people. This approach aims to bring fresh perspectives and engage diverse audiences. By recruiting youth, museums hope to challenge traditional curatorial practices and introduce innovative programming. The initiative allows young curators to select exhibition themes, design layouts, and even choose artworks that resonate with their peers. This shift in power dynamics is seen as a way to address the lack of representation and inclusivity in the museum sector. It provides an opportunity for young people to have a voice in shaping the cultural narratives presented to the public. The implementation of this model varies across institutions, with some involving teenagers and others collaborating with university students. The success of these efforts is still being evaluated, but the overall goal is to create more dynamic and engaging museum experiences that appeal to a broader audience.