pauls Werkzeug - a network for P.

Network P. is an initiative for participatory museum work. It is based on the search for exchange among experts on participation in museums.

Our interest lies in mutual exchange with other museum professionals, discourse and mutual learning about participation in museums.

Network P. was initiated in the context of the paul&ich project at the Zentrum Paul Klee and has been functioning as an independent network since 2023.

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9 theses on participation in museums

Based on their respective practices, 45 museum professionals and cultural promoters have formulated 9 theses on participation in museums.

Thesis1 - Through participation, museums live diversity and stand up for a pluralistic society.

Thesis2 - Through participation, the museum creates new relationships, closeness and affiliations - for its specific place in its relationship to the world.

Thesis3 - As public institutions, museums are committed to participation because it enables the right to participation to be realized in all areas of the museum. In this way, they fulfill their social responsibility.

Thesis4 - Participation requires a sincere interest in one another, which is the basis for an appreciative exchange. This takes place within a clearly negotiated, protected framework. Every single expertise counts.

Thesis5 - Participation requires mental and physical space, as well as time.

Thesis6 - Participation has a democratizing effect because it breaks down power structures and shares the authority of interpretation. Thanks to this attitude, people are just as much at the center as (collection) objects.

Thesis7 - The subversive use of leeway and differently set priorities create space for participation.

Thesis8 - Participation is part of the performance mandate and requires appropriate criteria for success.

Thesis9 - We strengthen participation by ensuring that it permeates the institutions, is reflected in strategies, structures and resources and is realized in day-to-day work.