Get ready for a game-changer! 'A Museum for Gen Z' is not just a catchy title, it's a bold vision that aims to revolutionize the museum experience for young people. Gus Casely-Hayford, the director of V&A East, is on a mission to create a space where young, creative minds can have life-altering moments, moments that could shape their entire future. But here's where it gets controversial...
In a world where museums have often been seen as exclusive and unwelcoming, especially to diverse communities, V&A East dares to challenge this notion. Casely-Hayford, with his personal experience of feeling excluded from traditional museum spaces, is determined to make a difference. He wants to ensure that V&A East becomes a place where every young person, regardless of their background, can feel at home and inspired.
The project, spanning two sites in London's Olympic Park, is an ambitious endeavor. V&A Storehouse, which opened earlier this year, has already exceeded its visitor target, while the upcoming V&A East Museum promises to be an exhibition and gallery space like no other. Tristram Hunt, V&A director, describes it as a way to open up the institution's collection to underserved audiences, ensuring that the stories and creativity of all are represented.
After years of delays, the museum is set to open its doors in April next year, becoming a key part of the East Bank cultural and education quarter. It sits alongside other prestigious institutions, but what sets V&A East apart is its focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Casely-Hayford has personally visited every secondary school in the surrounding boroughs, engaging with over 30,000 young people to shape every aspect of the museum, from the permanent collection to the staff uniforms.
The permanent collection, titled 'Why We Make', explores the universal human impulse to create. It features objects from over 60 nations, including works by Bisila Noah, an Ecuadorian-Spanish ceramicist, and local designer Molly Goddard. The collection aims to tell the story of human creativity through various mediums, celebrating diversity and representation.
But V&A East doesn't stop there. It also plans to host temporary exhibitions, with the first one, 'The Music Is Black', taking visitors on a journey through 125 years of Black British music history. Casely-Hayford is passionate about addressing the bigger issues facing museums, including the return of looted artifacts and ethical funding. He has been a leading voice in advocating for the return of stolen cultural heritage, particularly in collaboration with Ghana.
Casely-Hayford's background is an inspiring one. As a scion of the prominent Casely-Hayford dynasty, with a Ghanaian father and Sierra Leonean mother, he brings a unique perspective to the museum world. His career has been diverse, from presenting BBC series to authoring books on West African art. His personal journey and the influence of his late brother, a pioneering fashion designer, have shaped his vision for V&A East.
In his own words, V&A East is the greatest project of his career, a chance to make these institutions truly accessible to all. It's a bold statement, but one that reflects his passion and determination to create a space where creativity knows no bounds and where every visitor can feel a sense of belonging.
So, what do you think? Is V&A East a step towards a more inclusive museum experience? Or is it just a well-intentioned attempt that might fall short? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
