ABSTRACT
Museums have long been associated with the social or political agendas of one group or another. Analysis of their history has uncovered the ideological foundations of our national museums, for instance, and the desire for power and privilege to be generated and replicated through museum displays. The examples of community groups, discussed in this chapter, who have been motivated to create their own museums reveal that exhibitions are being mounted, collections created and museums developed as a means to communicate an ideological message. These community groups are engaged in various forms of social activism and in these cases this relates to aspects of improving social and economic conditions, the promotion of a more democratic society, fostering understanding between groups, and community regeneration. The missions of these groups often relate to the concept of empowerment and the various principles implied by this approach, such as fostering conscientisation, advocating self-help and creating opportunities for user-participation. The examples discussed in this chapter show that community groups are using museums and heritage as a means to achieve these aims. The groups have recognised the potential of museums and heritage to have an impact on social and political conditions and are prepared to use it.
