3 years, 3 BIPs, one project that challenges museums to reinvent themselves

Created through a combination of three Blended Intensive Programmes organised since 2022 by the Museum, Heritage and Cultural Studies departments at four CIVIS universities, the course has not only deepened relationships between partner universities and local museums, but also led to new collaborative projects and research initiatives. The innovative programme contributed significantly to the connections between universities and museums in the involved cities - Marseille in 2022, Athens and Elefsina (Cultural Capital of Europe 2023) in 2023, and Tübingen and Stuttgart in 2024. The students valued the combination of academic, creative, and practical aspects of museology presented during the BIPs, the programme's role in highlighting how museums can reflect and influence social developments, as well as the diverse perspectives it offered on contemporary issues.

Three BIPs, one successful project

The CIVIS universities involved in the project are Aix-Marseille Université, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and University of Tübingen, with Stockholm University joining the third edition in 2024. Each BIP, hosted in a different city, centred on distinct themes related to museum practices, offering international and local students opportunities for hands-on learning, networking, and the development of interpersonal and professional skills. 

The basic idea of all three BIPs was to combine theoretical input (lectures) with on-site visits to museums and heritage sites, along with practical training in exhibition design. The five days of in-person meetings focused on creating small exhibitions within museum spaces or one of its departments. This allowed students to apply the theoretical knowledge they had gained during the initial days and the online lectures to produce tangible, physical results.

The last day of each BIP was dedicated to the presentation and discussion of the exhibitions, providing an opportunity for the group to consolidate their shared knowledge through concrete examples. This was crucial for directing the discussion toward specific aspects and understanding what the students had taken from the inputs.

An object- and project-oriented learning approach

All the "Challenging Museums: Rethinking Institutional Norms and Practices" BIPs were centred on an object- and project-oriented learning approach, which allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. According to participants, this method fostered a deeper understanding and skill development. 

The three BIPs were organised by the same professors, creating a stronger professional network, as well as continuity among recurring participants, some of whom progressed from Master's to PhD level in the past three years. The inclusion of Stockholm as a partner university in the third BIP expanded the existing network, opening possibilities for future programs to be held in Stockholm. 

The use of Moodle platform supplied by CIVIS allowed keeping an archive of all the BIPs, and integration of Miro, an online collaborative platform, enabled real time sharing and discussion of objects and ideas, facilitating a seamless transition from virtual to physical components of the programme.

The practical application of concepts learned during the BIPs was evident in the students' exhibition projects. The BIPs also emphasised engagement with local civic communities, particularly in Marseille and Athens, helping students understand the societal impact expected from their work with heritage. These community-engaged and field-based interactions provided real-world contexts for their theoretical knowledge, further enhancing the educational experience.

The interdisciplinary approach, with contributions from diverse disciplines such as history, art, anthropology, visitor studies, cultural mediation, and museology, allowed students to tackle complex issues from multiple angles. 

A model for future educational programmes

This ongoing collaboration not only reinforced professional connections but also significantly strengthened ties between universities and museums, promoting international collaboration and the exchange of ideas. 

The feedback from students underscores the importance of such initiatives in developing professional skills, fostering networks, and addressing contemporary museum challenges. 

The continued collaboration among the universities of Tübingen, Marseille, Athens, and Stockholm, supported by CIVIS, promises to advance the field of critical museum and heritage studies and contribute to the evolution of museums as dynamic, inclusive institutions. 

The three-year span of the BIPs allowed for refining a specific trajectory to achieve optimal learning outcomes. This successful format serves as a model for future educational programmes, highlighting the value of international and interdisciplinary approaches in university education.