ArtReview's feature 'The Collaborative Museum' presents a diagnosis of the current state and future of museums from professionals within the field. The article highlights concerns about cultural amnesia in the United States, the need for diverse and accessible art spaces beyond large institutions, and the critical role of museums as public spaces for remembrance and reflection.
The piece argues that the traditional funding model reliant on billionaire philanthropy is breaking down, particularly in tech-centric regions like the Bay Area. It advocates for a shift away from expansion and branding towards building functional, collaborative institutions that serve artists and audiences through deep, lasting relationships. The survival of museums depends on becoming alive, ever-changing spaces focused on public use and inter-institutional cooperation rather than self-preservation.