Poster Programs: A Case Study of Groundworkers in a Museum-Based Community Engagement Program

• In Event: 66.080 - Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: 66.080-17 - Exploring Educators' Experiences Within an Informal Learning Context

Abstract

In this qualitative case study I explore a local art museum’s attempt at a community engagement project. I aimed to understand the unique perspectives of the groundworkers – those doing the actual work – as they navigate between their personal interests, the community, and the museum. Several moments of disconnection arise in each relationship those that are cultural and historical based perceptions and misconceptions, or instances of disruption caused by the context of the project. Leveraging New Institutionalism and Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) affords us the chance to think deeply and critically about historicity, the way it is enacted in the present day, and how new practices shape emergent understandings.

Author

• Sarah Ward, University of Washington