Open AccessMaking of an Exhibition. Iceland in the World, the World in Iceland
Author(s) -
Anna Lisa Rúnarsdóttir
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
nordisk museologi
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2002-0503
pISSN - 1103-8152
DOI - 10.5617/nm.8444
Subject(s) - exhibition , racism , prejudice (legal term) , transnationalism , race (biology) , sociology , media studies , history , gender studies , political science , visual arts , art , art history , law , politics
This paper explores the ways in which the 2016 exhibition Iceland in the World, the World in Iceland at the National Museum of Iceland was created in collaboration between museum staff, University of Iceland, academics and migrants. The exhibition dealt with themes such as: migration to and from Iceland, transnational relationships, historical racism, prejudice and the role of textbooks and children’s literature in promoting or maintaining ideas about race and difference. Various challenges the team encountered on the way will be examined, for instance how complex concepts such as racism and transnationalism were transmitted through this medium. The role of the museum in promoting openmindedness and tolerance is also discussed – and questions raised on its capacity to influence society to change or improve through interaction with visitors.