‘New’ museums of contemporary art in Lisbon

: crossing borders between art and politics through internationalization

Abstract

This report results from a semester-long internship at the Museu Nacional de Arte Contempor nea (MNAC) in Lisbon, during which I could reflect on the role of museums, and particularly on contemporary art institutions, in an era marked by rapid global change and evolving socio-political landscapes. Because in this age museums are considered not only repositories of cultural artifacts, but also active players in the discourses surrounding art and politics, this report seeks to explore this multifaceted relationship, examining the ways public contemporary art institutions navigate the complex intersections of culture and society and the impacts of globalization through internationalization strategies, public funding, and shifting audiences. In my reflection, I examine how the emergence of a "new museum" model that rests on the promotion of the reevaluation of conventions and the prioritization of inclusivity, dialogue, and active involvement in societal issues has enabled museums to deal with their imperial legacy (often tied to a Eurocentric narrative that emphasized collection and display over social responsibility and engagement). Central to this discussion is the growing interest in practices of internationalization that foster cross-cultural exchanges while navigating the challenges posed by nationalism and elitism, reinforce the potentialities of art to transcend borders, create dialogue, and challenge dominant narratives. Based on my experience at MNAC, this report, in sum, examines internationalization practices within the context of Lisbon's contemporary art scene to highlight both the opportunities and the ethical obligations that arise when cultural institutions engage with a global audience.

Date of Award	22 Jan 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Adriana Martins (Supervisor)