Global Mobilities

Book excerpt: Global Mobilities illustrates the significant engagement of museums and archives with populations that have experienced forced or willing migration: emigrants, exiles, refugees, asylum seekers, and others. The volume explores the role of public institutions in the politics of integration and cultural diversity, analyzing their efforts to further the inclusion of racial and ethnic minority populations. Emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural knowledge and exchange, global case studies examine the conflicts inherent in such efforts, considering key issues such as whether to focus on origins or destinations, as well as whether assimilation, integration, or an entirely new model would be the most effective approach. This collection provides an insight into diverse perspectives, not only of museum practitioners and scholars, but also the voices of artists, visitors, undocumented immigrants, and other members of source communities. Global Mobilities is an often provocative and thought-inspiring resource which offers a comprehensive overview of the field for those interested in understanding its complexities.