Towards Best Practices for the Construction of the "Useful Museum"

The concept of the Useful Museum, developed by Cuban artist Tania Bruguera, presents a radical vision of the role of museums in social and political contexts. Bruguera seeks to transform the museum from a space of mere aesthetic display into a space for civic action and a tool for social change. The relationship between museum institutions and contemporary society is a contentious issue (Esche, 2023), and the Useful Museum should not be limited to the conservation and presentation of artworks but should become a living entity, capable of responding to societal urgencies. Moreover, Bruguera’s practice incorporates the concept of Arte Útil, emphasizing the importance of art as a functional tool for social transformation. A Useful Museum designs initiatives that allow the community to co-create content, present ideas, and influence institutional decisions.

The aim of this research is to analyze to what extent museums in Italy reflect, even partially, the concept of the Useful Museum. In particular, the focus will be on how museum institutions are adopting practices that promote civic participation, social and political engagement, and active interaction with local communities. This preliminary research will begin with museums in the Lazio region, with the intent of providing an initial overview of the phenomenon at the local level, before potentially expanding to other regions.

The proposed research methodology begins with the criteria of the Useful Museum theorized by Tania Bruguera. Institutions that have implemented participatory or socially relevant projects will then be mapped. Significant case studies will be selected, and interviews will be conducted with curators and museum professionals to collect qualitative data. Finally, a critical analysis will be undertaken to compare these museums with the Useful Museum model, assessing their level of adoption and social impact, in order to propose best practices.