Decolonisation on small-scale museums: A case study of the Great North Museum

Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Humanities and Social Sciences, Art Museum and Gallery Studies, England

Thesis Supervisor: Katie Markham

Approval Date: 2020

Thesis Language: English

Supported Program: Other

Abstract:

This research aims to find out how the Great North Museum: Hancock’s decolonisation process as a municipal museum be possible, properly. Although years have passed over the colonial period, its effects on humanity still live on. As institutions affected by colonisation, museums, have, for a long time, been faced with many decolonisation demands to eradicate the dark mark colonisation left behind. While seeking solutions to those demands, the museums have also been heavily influenced by various events and have gradually begun to integrate the phenomenon of decolonisation into their structure. Brexit, Black Lives Matter, demands of the source communities, and repatriation of objects greatly impact the Great North Museum and their pursuit for decolonising. In this context, the Great North Museum, as a municipal museum, has started to implement plans that offer a more neutral environment and meet the aims of the museum. Although this process is long, delicate, and depends on many different factors, the actions of the Great North Museum demonstrate how proper decolonisation can be possible and set an example to others.