Elīna Vikmane argues for the necessity of involving young people as content creators in museums, emphasizing the importance of their input in shaping museum narratives.
In a recent discussion, Elīna Vikmane, the director of the Master's program in Cultural Heritage Management and Communication at the Latvian Academy of Culture, highlighted the growing importance of involving young people in museum activities. She stated that the principle of 'nothing about us without us' should guide museum practices today, whereby the perspectives of youth should be actively sought and included in museum narratives, rather than imposed solely based on adult interpretations. This approach recognizes the unique insights that younger generations bring to cultural institutions.
The necessity for youth involvement is not just a personal belief for Vikmane; it has been echoed by other researchers at the Latvian Academy of Culture who are engaged in a three-year project titled 'Towards Participatory Engagement in Museums: Exploring Museum Pedagogy Practices in Latvia.' This research specifically explores the participation opportunities for Generation Z within museums, focusing on how they can contribute to the creation and presentation of museum content. The project aims to understand the dynamics between young audiences and museum offerings, fostering an environment where youth feel included and valued.
Overall, the broader conversation around participatory engagement in museums is gaining traction, suggesting a shift towards more collaborative practices in cultural institutions. This engagement acknowledges that young people can be more than just visitors; they can shape how museums present information and connect with audiences, ultimately making museums more relevant and relatable to contemporary society.
