German curators at Malek museum

April 12, 2011 9:14 AM - Printable Version

As reported by public relations office at Malek National Library and Museum, on April 4 2011 an academic seminar was held with Iranian and German scholars, experts and students of museology.
Prof. Oliver Ramp, university of HTW, museum preservation expert and head of open-air anthropology museum of Lohbergenweg, Germany, Mary Leez Anderson, PhD student of museology, Nazila Nazmi, museology expert and graduate, PhD Dr. Momeni and Mohammad Hekmat, Malek Museum research and training office attended this joint seminar, which consisted of three major parts:

A. Decision making solutions based on visitor's experience,
B. Instructive approach in communications and showcasing,
C. Marketing and income creation in museums

At the end of each section students asked questions regarding what was discussed and exchanged their experiences.
Upon the opening speech, Seyed Mohsen Hashemi, cultural deputy of Malek institution, welcomed the guests and described Haj-Hossein Aqa Malek's social activities and achievements as the founder of institution. He cited "getting to meet one another is a gift and the best part of it is conversation". He therefore added it was a precious moment for all to attend the event to share ideas.
Mohammad Hekmat also noted "satisfaction in museums is dependent on three factors: visitors, the museum and artifacts with each possessing their own variables. Museums should adapt to social trends to satisfy visitors gradually, and to do so, individual and social identity are to be considered".
Anderson noted " museums are where connection is made through a dialogue among art pieces and visitors" "the stronger this connection is, the more satisfied visitors are, while it is a challenge to make such a connection for those who come to spend their free time and those who come to learn alike." she mentioned.
"Communication and satisfaction are two significant goals to be fulfilled simultaneously which is the hard part to do since visitors come from different gender, age group and background. Every visitor communicates through his own particular background, therefore communicates with different art piece based on his own perception. Therefore, it is better to concern what visitors may perceive rather than introducing artifacts based on academic point of view." Prof. Ramp added.
In second part, Ramp declared, "successful marketing in museums is an important achievement rather than mere economical marketing. It is beyond internet advertisements or posters. It is in fact an attitude to lead the museum towards being referred to the most."
"Marketing in museums is a new discourse which is best done through identifying pieces via exhibitions and advertisement facilities. It is better to bring the museums out to the public rather than convincing people to visit them." Dr. Momeni Said.
The third part was initiated by Prof. Ramp's speech regarding importance of training to create communication in museums. "Training is a vital part of museology science; it is above everything else to my belief, while now it is most underestimated. Most of museum staff should be among graduates of training field. Entertaining the audience is not the only objective at museums, since visitors can go to other places to be entertained such as parks, theatres, clubs etc. Failing to notice this fact and importance of training can lead to gradual closure of museums."
Nazmi continued, "Training is a process to be initiated since early ages. Museum managers should know that children could enjoy museums too, without damaging them. They shouldn't be treated as interrupters, they are the next generation of visitors who will keep museums dynamic and alive if trained properly."