Nowadays, it is difficult to ignore the issue of multiculturalism, which is becoming one of the very popular concepts in countries not only in Europe. Population migrations force changes in various areas, including culture in its broadest sense, and the process of integrating migrants into their new place of residence very much depends on actions taken at the local level. So, too, museums face increasing challenges in terms of inclusiveness and accessibility for linguistic and cultural minorities. Migrant integration strategies should take into account the needs of both migrants and the local community. Hence, partnership and participation are key tools for its implementation, as they allow the diverse perspectives and needs of all parties involved to be taken into account. It is therefore good if museums consider cooperation with other actors, such as NGOs, public offices, etc. It is then easier to provide resources to adapt the venue to the needs of this diverse audience, but also to understand their needs.
Building a multicultural community is a challenge in which museums can actively participate. One way, but also a challenge, is to show foreigners the culture and heritage of the host country and to promote the national heritage of the countries of origin of the foreigners gathered in the area. From this comes the need to enrich the offer in other languages and, above all, in English. Linguistic and cultural minorities should also have the same access to information about events, exhibitions and meetings planned at the museum as local residents.
Thus, it can be said that another challenge facing museums is to pay attention to the need to include minority cultures in museum collections, information guides and content provided by guides. The need to train staff in addressing multiculturalism so as to make cultural spaces accessible to all must not be forgotten.
Museums should also promote equality of rights, thus avoiding thinking that it is the “incoming” culture that has to adapt to the existing one. By showing cultural diversity and the appeal of different cultures, museums have a good chance to emphasise the value of an inclusive approach to the world and people.
Summarised, difficulties faced by people from linguistic and cultural minorities:
- exhibitions on local culture only, lack of openness to present other cultures
- no offer in a language other than the local one (either on paper or in digital form)
- museum staff not trained in multicultural issues.
(b. d.). Instytut Studiów Europejskich – Wydział Studiów Międzynarodowych i Politycznych.
Read publication “Together through culture / Razem poprzez kulturę” (in English and Polish) – guidelines for national minorities inclusion for culture institutions.