Travelling science centers and museums: paths to citizenship and engagement under the eye of professionals

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate travelling activities by Brazilian science centers and museums from a 2020 survey sample. The study is justified as it tries to amplify access to science for a diverse and representative spontaneous audience. The theoretical framework and analysis covers the perspective of science communication, social inclusion and citizenship. Data gathering was performed in two stages with the participation of professionals who work at these institutions. During the first stage, a questionnaire was used and in the second stage interviews were held. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and WHO guidelines with respect to social distancing, both steps were held online. Response analysis used a descriptive statistic and qualitative/quantitative analysis of the content in accordance with the Bardin method (2009). 27 participants were taken as the sample cut who indicated the travelling activities in both the closed and open questions in the questionnaire. Eight participants mentioned the itinerancy spontaneously in the interviews. The results were separated by subject: professional profile, participants’ geographic distribution, targeted audience residence; the qualitative/quantitative analysis of the reports and other aspects of the survey. In general, a diversified approach to the travelling activities was reported, as well as the importance of establishing partnerships that provide access to new members of the public and afford a contextualization of the experience provided by the museums. The main reasons for the aforesaid absence were related to the institutions exogenous aspects. Furthermore, when the activities were part of a long-term commitment, it was possible to observe the construction of a legacy that could break through structural social inequalities. Further studies are necessary to access the level of satisfaction in relation to the experiences provided from the point of view of the public who participated in these activities. However, the results have shown the importance of rethinking a public policy plan for the long-term that provides science communication activities in a consistent continual way, and which is capable of augmenting the impact of these present travelling activities.