The Impact of the Participatory, Visitor-Centered Model on Curatorial Practice

Abstract

In late 2006, the Columbus Museum of Art adopted a new framework that established creativity as the lens for learning and visitor experiences. This shift brought new challenges to the museum's curators. With seismic changes in the internal and external culture of museums, there is no doubt that the traditional curator's role is under scrutiny. In this article, curator Catherine Evans explores how developing relationships with colleagues and bringing cross-departmental knowledge, strengths, and questions to the table results in more robust, thoughtful, and dynamic experiences for visitors and boosts the curator's role.