Graduate Seminar Explores the Evolving Role of Museums

The University of Winnipeg has commenced its graduate seminar course, led by Stephen Borys, a veteran in the museum sector. This course, now in its twelfth year, delves into fundamental questions about the purpose and function of museums in contemporary society. It examines why collections are built, how exhibitions are organized, and, crucially, who museums serve today.

Each iteration of the course reflects the dynamic nature of the museum landscape. As societal issues shift, so does the course material. Participants, including emerging curators, artists, and educators, bring diverse perspectives shaped by their unique backgrounds. This year, the urgency of discussions has intensified, focusing on the pressing need for museums to respond to calls for reconciliation and decolonization.

The conversation in the classroom mirrors real-world challenges faced by museums. Borys emphasizes that teaching and practice are interwoven, as his consulting work with various organizations informs the seminar content. Projects with the National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada, and the Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre, among others, provide practical case studies that enrich student learning.

Students engage critically with the material, discussing the successes and failures of current museum practices. They analyze governance structures that facilitate or hinder change and explore architectural considerations that reflect institutional values. This hands-on approach necessitates honest discussions about the complexities within the museum sector, including funding challenges, board dynamics, and community relationships.

The course highlights the importance of experience, with professionals from the field sharing insights gained from their careers. Borys notes that students must understand the realities of museum work, which often includes navigating complex social contexts and addressing historical injustices. The seminar aims to provide a transparent view of the museum landscape, encouraging students to question established norms.

This year’s curriculum also incorporates projects that challenge traditional museum models. The initiative to create a community-led museum from a historic site, as seen in the National Indigenous Residential School Museum, serves as a prime example of how museums can evolve. Similarly, the collaboration with the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation explores the potential for advocacy organizations to enhance their relevance and sustainability.

Borys believes that the role of the museum is not static; it is a “battleground of values, expectations, and possibilities.” He asserts that for museums to remain vital, they must be willing to listen, adapt, and continually redefine their identities in relation to the communities they aim to serve.

Through hands-on experiences and critical discussions, this graduate seminar at the University of Winnipeg not only prepares the next generation of museum professionals but also contributes to a broader dialogue about the future of cultural institutions.