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Museums have a duty to inspire the creatives of the future. At V&A East, I’ve made that my mission
It breaks my heart to see young people disengaged when so much inspiration is within reach. I want our new museum to bridge that gap
TL;DR
- V&A East commissioned an indigo, cobalt blue, and cyan stained-glass window, "Towards a Civic Museum," created by Tania Bruguera with east London youth.
- The artwork represents a map of four boroughs and a contract between east London and V&A East, embodying aspirations for the museum sector like openness, accessibility, and collaboration.
- The museum aims to inspire and reflect all of its visitors, moving beyond a paternalistic Victorian model to institutions created with and by the community.
- Many young people lose their sense of awe in museums during adolescence, often disengaged by mobile devices.
- V&A East consulted over 30,000 young people on all aspects of presentation and operational delivery.
- Consultations focused on themes important to young people, including representation, identity, health and wellbeing, social justice, and environmental action.
- The museum's "Why We Make" galleries and "The Music is Black: A British Story" exhibition are shaped by these consultations.
- The exhibition includes collected material like a Super Nintendo console given to JME (Jamie Adenuga), highlighting its role in his creative journey.
- The museum aims to provide support, encouragement, and inspiration for young people interested in creative pursuits.