The Course
Examining the ways in which whiteness functioned in service to European colonization, this course will explore how western art museums developed as cultural repositories of imperialism and colonialism, and how this historical functionality directly informs the many problems facing museums today.
This course will define whiteness, colonization, and race within the contexts of collections, exhibitions, interpretation, the art market, and museum policies. It will also explore anti-racism and its roots in Indigenous and Black intellectual traditions.
As traditional study of both museum and art history treats colonization as an unfortunate "aside" that detracts from the greater grandeur of western art collections, this course applies a radical reframing to museum and art history that demonstrates how European imperialist desire and colonialist action were the actual motivations behind collection and museum development.
What You Will Learn
When I started designing this course, my goal was to (re)present the development of the Western art museum to critically examine its foundations, challenge its colonial and exclusionary practices, and transform the ways in which museum work reimagines & executes more inclusive and equitable practices.
I meticulously stitched together lessons that are not only insightful but also practical and I am thrilled about how it's turned out—thoughtfully structured units guide you from the basic concepts to more complex histories, ensuring a thorough understanding no matter your starting point.
By the end of it, you'll have a richer, more nuanced perspective on the current state of the field. Plus, the course is peppered with interactive elements, making learning both engaging and memorable.
Curriculum
Your Instructor
With over ten years of experience as a curator, educator, and activist in the cultural sector, Dr. Kelli Morgan is widely known as a leader in progressive museum practice whose work develops and advances anti-racist approaches to art curation, fundraising, and community engagement. She regularly trains staff and emerging curators at institutions worldwide. She is a leading and influential voice in championing museum practices that are safer for and more responsible to individuals and communities of color.
As the facilitator of ART, WHITENESS, & EMPIRE, Dr. Morgan brings a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering commitment to the transformation of art spaces into more reflective and inclusive environments. Her passion for education is rooted in the belief that people have the potential to serve as powerful platforms for anti-racist advocacy and societal change. In each session, she aims to empower her students with the tools and perspectives necessary to effect positive change in the ways art is presented and interpreted, ensuring that diverse voices and narratives are honored within museum walls.
Sarah Kleiner
"Everything we learned in this class is very useful for real life. So I can take what we learned and actively apply it to my day-to-day work. Especially in viewing everything as intersectional."
Manager of Strategic Development
Balboa Art Conservation Center
Xiao Situ
"This course with Kelli helped me recover from the moral injuries I sustained in my previous museum work. I think all museum workers should enroll to learn strategies & mental-health frameworks for working within the arts ecosystem. The course provides the necessary paths to psychological wellbeing & collective empowerment, practical tools & historical knowledge."
Independent Scholar & Theologian
Ann McBride
"Dr. Morgan's seminar was rigorous, timely, and conceptually progressive. I look forward to taking these lessons learned into museum and activist spaces and to continuing study with Dr. Morgan in whatever capacity I'm able."
Founder & CEO
The Neo Project Consultancy LLC
Featured Courses
Discover more courses in the Black Curatorial Institute! Explore the links below to dive into our full range of offerings.
