Towards the Ethical Art Museum

Museums are under fire currently from all quarters on account of a wide range of ethical issues, from their association with morally dubious regimes, to accusations of workplace discrimination, to the questionable provenance of objects in their collections and the perceived lack of inclusivity of their exhibitions.

This book examines why museums have become a focus for society’s ethical concerns in the 21st century, whether it is ever possible for a museum to be a neutral space, and what a policy framework for a more ethical museum could look like.

It considers examples of best practice in a sector which is struggling to balance increased ethical demands with an often perilous financial situation in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.