The museum and archive field has long recognised the legacy of colonialism and carried out various decolonisation projects. Now it is time to move to the next phase: the seminar After Decolonisation – Dismantling Whiteness and Power in Archives and Museums brings together museum professionals, students, and representatives of communities to reflect on what happens after decolonisation.
Participation is free of charge. Places are limited.
Inquiries and registration: Sofia Lahti, sofia.lahti@fmp.fi
PROGRAM:
10 am–12 pm
Introduction to the day's themes
The morning session explores what happens after decolonisation, when talk of diversity alone is no longer enough. The session also includes a presentation from the Finnish Museum of Photography, reflecting on white collections and examining whiteness in relation to the Invisible Race exhibition.
12–1 pm
Lunch
1–2 pm
Workshops for museum professionals and communities
Workshop 1: Observations and experiences of whiteness in archives and collections
This workshop explores how museum and archive professionals can reflect on their own whiteness and their roles within institutions. Participants will examine the concept of institutional whiteness and how it is maintained in museums through concrete examples: How have participants encountered or challenged whiteness in their own work? What is difficult to recognise, and what forms of resistance might the topic evoke?
Workshop 2: Community perspectives on archives
This workshop looks at how community members, groups, and independent archives build their own futures and their own archival practices. The session includes contributions from various communities, with a discussion guided by what they hope institutions and individual staff members will change in their practical, everyday work—not only in strategy documents. The workshop also reflects on the types of situations, expectations, and disappointments that have arisen in collaborations with museums.
2–2.15 pm
Break
2:15–3 pm
Collective discussion
What connections and tensions emerged during the day? What lessons can be drawn from conflicts and encounters, and what might lasting practices and post-decolonisation futures look like from the perspectives of both institutions and communities? What risks and pitfalls can arise if decolonisation is not properly implemented? Finally, each participant will make a personal reflection and choose one commitment or step to take back to their workplace or everyday life.
3–4 pm
Tour of the Invisible Race exhibition with the exhibition's curators
