The Meaning and Implications of Being a “Visitor-Centered” Museum (Lecture by Prof. Leslie BEDFORD) - 東京カレッジ

The Meaning and Implications of Being a “Visitor-Centered” Museum (Lecture by Prof. Leslie BEDFORD)

When:
2025.04.22 @ 14:30 – 16:00
2025-04-22T14:30:00+09:00
2025-04-22T16:00:00+09:00
The Meaning and Implications of Being a “Visitor-Centered” Museum (Lecture by Prof. Leslie BEDFORD)

Finished
Zoom Webinar
Date(s) Tuesday, 22 April, 14:30–16:00 JST
Venue

Zoom Webinar (Register here)

Registration Pre-Registration Required
Language English (Japanese interpretation)
Abstract From "Being about Something to Being for Somebody" is the memorable title of Stephen Weil's contribution to the 1999 Daedalus volume on American Museums. Though decades old and not without challenges, the phrase continues to resonate within the museum field. In many ways it encapsulates the ways in which institutions have changed from privileging curator-defined information and institution-defined goals to promoting the visitor's experience and the broader community.

In her talk, Leslie Bedford, a longtime museum practitioner and professor of museum studies, will explore the meaning of Weil's phrase and how it has been implemented by museums, including those she has visited in Japan. Her talk will include a discussion of the online conversations she is facilitating with Japanese museum professionals and academics. And finally, she will raise the question of what "visitor centered" can mean today and in the future.
Program Lecture
Leslie BEDFORD (Tokyo College Professor, The University of Tokyo; Former Director of Museum Leadership Master’s Program at Bank Street College of Education, New York; Former Director and Curator of Comprehensive Japan Program, Boston Children’s Museum)

Commentator
TERADA Yuki (Project Assistant Professor, Tokyo College, The University of Tokyo)

Moderator
Hannah DAHLBERG-DODD (Project Assistant Professor, Tokyo College, The University of Tokyo)
Organized by Tokyo College, The University of Tokyo
Contact tokyo.college.event@tc.u-tokyo.ac.jp

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