Call for applications for a conference in March 2014, Amsterdam
Paideia – the European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden and the Rothschild Foundation (Hanadiv) Europe are pleased to present:
(Re)shaping the (Re)presentation of Jewish Culture: The Future of Jewish Museums in Europe
Amsterdam, March 05 – 09, 2014
Applications now open at http://www.paideia-eu.org/programs/rfepaideia-museum-program
Deadline for applications: January 1st.
A dynamic opportunity for museum professionals to consider the future of their institutions and to (re)think the mission of Jewish museums in a changing environment. In a unique collaboration, the seminar will be led by experienced museum managers and Jewish educators, facilitating and encouraging collaborative work, networking, sharing of practices and the development of a learning community of common interests. |
Lectures, analysis, interactive workshops and small group study will encourage participants to develop:
– An understanding of how Judaism and Jewish learning influence contemporary and critical questions shaping the present realities facing Jewish museums.
– An awareness of the significant social role that Jewish museums can play in addressing larger themes such as immigration, integration and segregation through the Jewish experience.
– New ideas for relevant exhibition topics and shared programs.
Program:
The program includes workshops led by senior museums professionals, academic lectures by visiting experts and participant presentations. The concepts of ritual, space and time will form the study frame for the program.
Participant Profile:
Professionals working for European Jewish Museums with an interest in professional and institutional development. Larger institutions are encouraged to send one senior and one junior staff member.
Lecture highlights include:
– A brief history of the development of Jewish museums worldwide – from the 19th century until today: similarities and differences.
– Target demography and Jewish museum audiences: who will visiting Jewish museums in the coming years?
– Jewish Museums as Jewish space?
– Roundtable: The Future of Jewish Museums in Europe
Facilitators:
Felicitas Heimann-Jelinek, Former Chief Curator, Jewish Museum of Vienna
Laurence Sigal, former Director and Chief Curator, Paris, Musée d’art et d’histoire du Judaïsme
Sally Berkovic, Chief Executive, Rothschild Foundation (Hanadiv) Europe
Guest speakers include:
Simon Bronner, Distinguished Professor of American Studies and Folklore, Penn State University, and Editor of the Jewish Cultural Studies series
Cilly Kugelmann, Program Director and Vice Director, Jewish Museum Berlin
Michael Korey, Senior Curator, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon
Barbara Spectre, Founding Director, Paideia, Stockholm
Background context for the seminar:
Some 30 European countries host one or several Jewish museums. A number of them had predecessor organisations in pre-war times. Most of these museums were established or renovated in the 1980s and 1990s in response to the destruction and/or dispersion of Jewish material and immaterial culture in Europe during the era of National-socialism. After the fall of communism, new Jewish museums were also founded in Eastern Europe.
Most European Jewish museums based on concepts developed in the 1980s recognize the need to reshape their permanent exhibitions and adapt their programmes to the new realities of the 21st century. Many have already transformed their core exhibitions, while others are working on projects designed to make their museums more relevant for a broader public. The need for change is being determined by two main factors:
– A change in approaches to history as national histories are being re-examined.
– The range of museum visitors has changed dramatically.
To attract visitors, and to adapt to this changing environment, museums need to build the capacity to speak to a broad audience, drawing on universal themes.
We will be looking at the extent of ‘Jewish thinking’ in the shaping and development of core exhibits and programming, as well as broadening our understanding of key concepts such as the Enlightenment and modernity, exclusion versus integration, memory, ritual and community
Practicalities:
The programme will take place March 5-9, directly following the AEJM CEP programme, in Amsterdam.
Friday night includes a Shabbat service and meal at the Esnoga. Shabbat /Saturday includes Talmud study, contemporary reflections on Shabbat and discussion.
The fee for the seminar, including accommodation and food, is euro 250. This fee does not reflect the true cost of the programme, which is supported by the Rothschild Foundation (Hanadiv) Europe. A limited number of subsidies are available and a request should be made in the application form.
Apply!
For more information and to apply, please go to http://www.paideia-eu.org/programs/rfepaideia-museum-program
Contact: erik.gribbe[at]paideia-eu.org.
A project of the Rothschild Foundation (Hanadiv) Europe and Paideia – the European Institute of Jewish Studies in Sweden