Good stories can be ambiguous\u2014so intricate they make our brains crackle with effort, or so shimmering they send us drifting through a web of associations. Some people find these kinds of stories absolutely fascinating. But for many, they feel like riddles\u2014confusing and overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why, in my workshops, I share tools that help a broad audience connect the dots in exhibitions. Tools that make it easier for visitors to understand what they\u2019re seeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And no\u2014crafting narratives that are easy to follow and as clear as possible doesn\u2019t mean patronizing the audience. It\u2019s not about telling people what to think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It means recognizing that exhibitions are a demanding medium.
Cinema: Ticket \u2013 popcorn \u2013 curtain up.
Museum: Ticket \u2013 um, where does it start? \u2013 oh, there\u2019s an audio guide \u2013 hmm, this text is long\u2026 do I have to read it? And which object is it even for?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It means respecting that, for many people, a meaningful cultural experience is one where they can easily follow the content or storyline. Thomas Renz came to this conclusion in his study on occasional theatre-goers. \u201cThe need to interpret on one\u2019s own is perceived as a negative burden,\u201d he writes. His findings provide compelling reasons for this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also means embracing the fact that many of us<\/em>\u2014curators, museum directors, cultural policymakers, and so on\u2014enjoy accessible, entertaining media ourselves: Netflix, true crime, Harry Potter\u2014you name it. The broad audience? That\u2019s us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Renz, Thomas (2016) Nicht-Besucherforschung: die F\u00f6rderung kultureller Teilhabe durch Audi\u00adence Development<\/em>. Bielefeld: transcript.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Good stories can be ambiguous\u2014so intricate they make our brains crackle with effort, or so shimmering they send us drifting through a web of associations. Some people find these kinds of stories absolutely fascinating. But for many, they feel like riddles\u2014confusing and overwhelming. That\u2019s why, in my workshops, I share tools that help a broad… Weiterlesen The Broad Audience<\/span>