Date sent: Sun, 12 Nov 1995 18:09:02 -0500 Send reply to: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]> From: Beth Hansen <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Demonstrations in Museums To: Multiple recipients of list MUSEUM-L <[log in to unmask]> I am working on my Masters Thesis, and am looking for information about demonstrations carried out in museum exhibit spaces. Specifically, I refer to "ethnic crafts" or "lifeways skills", especially carried out by members of the ethnic group. These can be arts, such as basketweaving, or skills, such as flint-knapping. What sort of spaces have museums had to create to make these artists comfortable? Can the public be kept back, via a barrier, without creating the impression that the demonstrator is on display or in a cage? How are special lighting needs met? I will be pleased to hear any anecdotes or to receive advice. Thanks Beth Hansen the archaeological resources centre, ARC, York, (England) has a variety of exhibits of crafts, mainly medieval / roman, but they are done by staff rather than specialists. barley hall, a medieval house also in york sometimes as exhibitions of medieval crafts by practicing craftspeople. I myself do some, in a variety of places but have never found a museum space that has been keen on the idea, However, Colchester Castle museum, Essex, do have such displays on a regular basis, done by a friend of mine. If you want to know more about these, i will send addresses, but i don't know if its the sort of thing you are after Ruth Singer