Connectedness, consumption and climate change: the exhibition human nature. (1st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arfvidsson, Helen; Follin, Ann
• Is Part Of: Museum management and curatorship. Volume 35:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 684
• Page End: 696
• Publication Date: 2020-11-01
• Subjects: Museum exhibition -- climate change -- mass consumption -- connectedness -- hope; Museum techniques -- Periodicals; Museums -- Management -- Periodicals; 069.05
• DOI: 10.1080/09647775.2020.1842237
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-7775

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The exhibition Human Nature, produced by the National Museums of World Culture in Sweden, addresses the concepts of mass consumption, climate change and the human impact on nature. Covering themes such as connectedness, planetary boundaries; mass extinction; system change; living with things; sustainable practices; and emotional landscapes - the exhibition explicitly encourages awareness and action, while navigating on the spectrum from despair to hope. Each theme is developed in collaboration with a variety of partners and the result is an exhibition that combines objects from the museum collection with current research, contemporary art, and activist initiatives. This article unpacks the inspirations, accomplishments and challenges generated by the exhibition, with the aim of providing a case study on how to inspire visitors to take action and change their approach to consumption and climate change.