Gathering of Strangers

A powerful, timely and thought-provoking exploration of the transformative role of the museum – and of art – in society today.

As the world continues to adapt to the consequences of a global pandemic that has disrupted social life as we have known it, museums continue to experience unprecedented disruption and change. The sector has endured a nearly two-year period where they were closed to the public. Many also discovered new audiences and new purpose, through global digital connection, through renewed community purpose and through the revitalised interest from a public hungry for social connection and cultural inspiration. At the same time, there has been growing debate and dissent over what museums are for, who they speak to and the histories, objects and ideas they are tasked with holding – all taking place within a public sphere that is more dynamic and volatile than ever before.

Taking a wide-ranging look at museums themselves, but also the dialogue around the responsibilities of our public institutions, Maria Balshaw explores some of the critical challenges and opportunities for art and culture at this point in the twenty-first century. Moving from the historical origins of the gallery to the way in which art and artists can imagine and shape our collective future, the publication will also connect with important debates taking place around art and the climate emergency, race equality and decolonisation, and the value of the arts in education.