Typology and Audience Engagement of University Galleries

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to analyse the environment and the processes of university galleries and their exhibition spaces, primarily on the territory of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The historical development of university galleries and their role in society are briefly introduced. An important part of this research paper deals with the definition and typology of university galleries, followed by an analysis of their role and a discussion on the aspect of audience and public engagement. The study draws on research conducted by the author in the years 2016–2020 predominantly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, described in detail in her doctoral thesis. The methodology of the research is mainly based on semi-structured interviews and study visits of the various institutions in question. The research paper brings forth the subject of university galleries and their role in the advancement of the academic cultural environment.

Keywords

• university galleries
• university museums
• cultural management
• audience engagement
• experimental university spaces