In 1995 Ann Mintz put together "Communicating Controversy: Science
Museums and Issues Education" published by ASTC (I believe it is still
available).  While it is very much looking at issues pertaining to
science museums' scope, it is a remarkably durable set of ideas when
translated to art or history museums.  There is also an interesting
study included in the report, conducted by Minda Boren, seeking
visitors' thoughts about "issues programming" (read stuff with charged
content).  While it is even more specific to science and science
centers, it suggests some ways to approach visitors' thinking about
tough issues in art museums.

11 years later it's still pretty current!

Hope this is useful.

Aaron

Aaron Goldblatt
Metcalfe Architecture & Design
211 North 13th Street, Suite 503
Philadelphia, PA  19107-1610
215-557-9200 p
215-557-8383 f
[log in to unmask]
www.metarchdesign.com 

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