Didar : Activating Exhibition Spaces With Diaspora Communities In Melbourne

The twenty-first century conservator is more regularly involved in collection-based community engagements. This is in response to and influenced by the revised roles of cultural institutions as social spaces that recognise the importance of inclusivity, community participation and sustainability. Despite this focus on communities, the practical details and the care needed to undertake this work are not adequately documented. The challenge for conservators, needing to stay relevant and connected, is how best to engage participants from diverse backgrounds in structured and meaningful ways. This research sought to develop practices around conservation that is engaged with communities, working with culturally diverse groups in an exhibition setting.