December 18, 2015
As the Arctic increasingly enters the spotlight of global political, scientific and economic activity and innovation, many people across the world see Alaska as a vital and connected space.
We involve many communities as we examine how the North is similar to and different from other parts of the globe. In Anchorage, multiple cultures define the city. Alaska is a place of strong Indigenous and immigrant cultures – a rich cultural landscape.
As a museum it is our duty not only to care for objects, but also to establish relationships with people and engender a broader understanding of society. Rather than assuming an authoritative voice and perspective, the museum seeks to engage communities in conversations that reach across multiple perspectives, traditions, iconography, language and more.
Traditional cultural beliefs, practices and materials are part of dynamic, living cultures. Objects transmit lived experiences that have persevered through generations. Museums are places of memory, and to be true to that we need to understand the past alongside the contemporary.
An individual’s relationship with a museum object is ultimately a social one. As museum professionals, we are interested in shifting from a focus on objects in isolation to a focus on the social relationships they continue to represent. As a museum, we provide a space that creates platforms for dialogue and discussion.
We collaborate with community curators to create exhibitions and experiences. We support people from all places working together toward deeper understanding. We work with contemporary artists adept at observing and conveying the complexity of place and people – artists who move away from the black-and-white to a place where questions and conversation occur.
We embrace our community and its multiple perspectives. Only by supporting conversations can the museum be truly relevant.