19.10.2024

2024 CAMOC COMCOL Conference

Last week, I had the privilege of moderating a conference that left me with profound insights and a renewed perspective on the intersection of museums, activism, and co-creation.

One of the first things that struck me was the impressive turnout for the plenary sessions, even at the early hour of 9:30 AM. This enthusiasm was undoubtedly fueled by the anticipation surrounding our keynote speakers, Zandra Yeaman and Danielle van der Mensch.

Zandra Yeaman's talk on being an "activist agitator" resonated deeply with many attendees. She drew upon the concept of the "feminist killjoy" in her curatorial work, challenging us to consider how we can disrupt the status quo in meaningful ways.

Danielle van der Mensch took us on a journey through the structural power of emotions. Her discussion on moving from melancholia to hope in the creative industry and knowledge economy was particularly poignant, offering a fresh perspective on how we approach our work.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the conference was the introduction of "co-creation cards" as a tool for eliciting iterative feedback. Working alongside my colleagues from the Amsterdam Museum, we explored the potential of this approach. The more I engaged with this concept, the more I thought I might want to do some research on this in the future…

Key Takeaways from the Co-Creation Cards

1. **Museums are not neutral**: This reminder came at a crucial moment, prompting us to reflect on our responsibility to address ongoing global issues, including genocides that we may be hesitant to name explicitly.

2. **Balancing digital and emotional/personal connections**: It's clear that many participants are still grappling with the post-COVID realities of hybrid work environments. Finding this balance remains a significant challenge in our field.

3. **Co-creation demands time, patience, and passion**: While this might seem obvious, it bears repeating. One presentation highlighted how centering disabled communities in museum work requires a shift away from neurotypical deadline pressures – a perspective that was particularly impactful for me as I navigate my own sea of deadlines.

The conference culminated in a fascinating conversation with artist Jeroen van der Moest, who used the co-creation cards as inspiration for a digital exhibition. His work explored both the potential and limitations of AI in co-collaborative spaces, offering a nuanced view of how technology can intersect with human creativity and collaboration.

As the moderator, I had the challenging yet rewarding task of synthesizing the conference's key themes. Drawing upon the co-creation cards and the insights gathered from various panels, I attempted to weave together the diverse threads of our discussions into a coherent narrative.

This conference experience has reinforced my belief in the power of collaborative thinking and the importance of challenging established norms in museum practice. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our field, tools like the co-creation cards and perspectives that center marginalized communities will be invaluable in shaping a more inclusive and responsive museum landscape.

The journey from melancholia to hope, as outlined by van der Mensch, feels particularly relevant as we face the challenges and opportunities ahead. By embracing co-creation, centering diverse voices, and thoughtfully integrating new technologies, we can work towards a future where museums truly serve as spaces for collective growth and understanding.

Big shoutout to the team at the Amsterdam Museum for inviting me! Always a pleasure :)

All photo credits go to Francoise Bolechowski