ABSTRACT
[ We readily empathize with one person, but usually not with millions. If curators hope to inspire people to act – whether inside or out of the museum – then visitors must empathize. If visitors are to be part of any collective action, they must feel solidarity.
In exploring the role of a curatorial strategy that is founded on empathy and solidarity, I ask why empathy is important. I look at two divergent stances for personal and group relationships that we see in museums: hospitality and tolerance. Then, I explore practices that curators can use to help visitors build empathy and solidarity.]
