Studio Museum Harlem and Community Engagement

Studio Museum Harlem has a major building renovation underway. The question arises: how to be a museum without walls? For a museum that prides itself on community outreach and inclusion, determining how to maintain that connection during a transitional period is a major priority.

The museum has a 50 year history within Harlem of community service. The connection of “Me” the individual and “We” the museum/community is the core tenant of the museum’s programming. Evidence of which is seen in the artist residency that the museum offers. Past programs such as Parks Guide in Harlem also show the museum’s commitment to being an integral and contributing resource to Harlem.

This consistent history of community engagement could be difficult to continue during a physical renovation of space. However, the museum has risen to that challenge. As a way to include the community and keep them informed of changes, the lobby of the museum was turned into a pseudo “visitor center” that details the plans for the future of the museum. Visitors can see a timeline of expectant changes and, most importantly, share their reflections on such changes.

Questions such as “What are your hopes and dreams for Harlem” offer visitors the chance to engage with and contribute to the future development of this local institution. The cornerstone of the Studio Museum’s purpose is active and meaningful community engagement. Offering such support and programming offers the community a sense of cultural representation that might otherwise be lacking.