Symposium Women in the Museum XL: The (Museum’s) Future is Female

Women in the Museum is een serie van jaarlijkse symposia georganiseerd door het Rijksmuseum als onderdeel van het project Vrouwen van het Rijksmuseum – een grootschalig onderzoeksprogramma gericht op kunstenaars, protagonisten en verzamelaars, schenkers en conservatoren, met het doel om vrouwen zichtbaarder te maken, zowel in de collectie als in de presentatie.

WOMEN IN THE MUSEUM XL: THE (MUSEUM’S) FUTURE IS FEMALE

The phrase ‘the future is female’ has resonated across activist and academic circles since the second feminist wave (1960s-1980s), gaining renewed interest from the 2010s onward. This raises the question: what could the future of gender-thinking look like within the walls of the museum? This fifth edition of the Women in the Museum conference series offers an opportunity to reflect on what we have built together as a museum and academic community, and, most importantly, to consider how gender- and women-focused research can be sustainably anchored in a rapidly changing world.

 In the spirit of looking back and moving forward, we will explore how knowledge is passed between generations, delve into the complex relationship between museums and (feminist) activism, and engage with different approaches to reframing historical narratives. One of the key questions running through the program is how museums – especially those working with historical (e.g. Early Modern) collections – can actively engage in today’s gender discourses.

 To mark the fifth anniversary of the Women in the Museum conference, this year’s edition will offer a two-day programme combining thought-provoking plenary talks and hands-on workshops. Together, these sessions aim to equip participants with concrete tools to help drive change in their own institutions and professional practices.

 Wees welkom om deel te nemen aan deze interactieve dagen in het Rijksmuseum!