Art]ifact: Where History Meets Art, A Case Study in Shared Authority

Abstract

AbstractThis article is a case study of the concept of shared authority based on an exhibit titled “[art]ifact: where history meets art.” Opportunities to explore in‐depth forms of shared authority begin with the partnership of three institutions – a university, a historical society and an art gallery – and their varied moments and levels of involvement with the exhibit. A deep sharing of historical authority was also present between those interpreting exhibit objects – historians and artists. And finally, lighter, but nonetheless significant, forms of shared authority took place between K‐12 students and curators, and between the audience members and curators. The article ends with a discussion of lessons learned and common pitfalls for those interested in creating a co‐curated co‐produced exhibit involving undergraduate students and multiple community partners.