Where do you stand? Museum work in a polarised societyWhere do you stand? Museum work in a polarised society

'The debate' rages everywhere. And it doesn't even really seem to matter what that debate is about. People disagree vehemently. All. The. Time. In the midst of this noise, disagreement and polarisation, stands the museum. Some say it's a 'leftish hobby', while others claim the institution is too conservative, not inclusive enough. The debate has permeated the museum walls. Are museums neutral spaces where opposing views can meet? Should they be a safe haven, a space where you can escape politics and society, a place that lets you recharge? Or should they take a stand? Is really everyone welcome in the museum? And what does this actually mean?

More and more museums respond to a call for change, by focusing on female or non-western artists, by renouncing the phrase 'Golden Age', or by defending it. These actions garner some press attention and maybe the odd Twitter storm, but what happens on the inside? What does it mean to work in, with or for a museum in this day and age? What would you change (or keep) but don't feel empowered to do? Can you share everything with your colleagues? Can you be who you are at work?

This first Night Shift of 2020 we want to shake things up a bit. Not by creating a big event, but by talking, listening in a smaller, more intimate setting where we are all experts and nobody is expected to have all the answers. An opportunity at the beginning of the year to get in touch with colleagues who struggle with the same questions, or who hold very different views from your own. Truly listening to one another.

The table is big and everyone is welcome, but because of this format we will have fewer tickets available than usual. We feel it is important to create a space where all can be heard. Do you really want to come, but can't afford the ticket? Get in touch with the team by sending an email to hallo[at]nightshift010.nl