The Museum and the ecosystem

A conversation with Magdalena Malm, Emmeli Person (representatives for Bildkonst Sverige), and Miriam Andersson-Blecher, Erik Annerborn (representatives for Klister).

The museum, as institution, is in a necessary dialogue with a context or ecosystem. A myriad of small and medium size institutions was traditionally understood as the perfect testing ground and situation to produce and present the work of artists. Some of the artworks presented and produced in these smaller institutions could – later on – become part of a museum collection. But when the museum becomes an actor for the present (and not just the keeper of history) the whole system needs to find new understandings for its components: Small and medium size institutions can – then – also be places from where to write history, and the institutional boundaries become a blurred (and productive) zone. A vibrant scene of institutions offers to a locality a variety of content and possibilities.

This conversation will observe the role of “the other institutions”, the possible dialogues and positions from where to define and work with artistic content.

BILDKONST SVERIGE is a non-profit organisation that works to make the conditions better for arts organisations throughout the country. Representing members from across the field, from small artist run spaces to big museums and galleries, the organisation pushes the cultural policy agenda to build a strong infrastructure for the arts. More information about Bildkonst Sverige here.

KLISTER is a Swedish nationwide network for small and medium-sized contemporary art institutions that was initiated in 2011. The network aims to highlight and strengthen members’ conditions and positions in society, including through knowledge sharing and opinion-forming. The network meets digitally on the first Friday of every month. One of the reports published by Klister can be downloaded here.