Conversations | The Museum of the Future

The question of the reappraisal and reinvention of museums has never been more relevant. Long-debated subjects such as broadening the canon, decolonisation, diversifying the collection and the representation of minorities have in recent years been joined by the big questions of our time: the impact of new technology and digitisation, the need for greater inclusivity, dealing with funding uncertainties and responding to calls for greater restitution efforts. The year of 2020 has been pivotal - Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement not only crystallized the need to address these questions more urgently, but have left museum directors faced with fresh challenges and in uncharted territory. How will they address the more immediate pressures and what is their vision for the future? Are they adequately equipped to respond and adapt to a changing landscape, and are they ready to grasp unique opportunities to create a new kind of institution? In partnership with E.A.T./Engadin Art Talks.

Maria Balshaw, Director, Tate, London
Chris Dercon, President, Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais, Paris
Susanne Pfeffer, Director, MMK Museum für Moderne Kunst, Frankfurt
Storm Janse van Rensburg, Senior Curator and Head of Curatorial Affairs, Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town
Moderator: Jane Morris, Editor-at-large, The Art Newspaper and Cultureshock, London 

The Art Basel 2021 Conversations program is curated by Art Basel and Julieta Aranda, Berlin-based artist and e-flux co-director.