Drawing in Museums : Theories and Practice-Based Research

This book considers the practice of drawing in the space of the museum from a critical theoretical and art-based learning point of view.

Drawing in museums is a critical form of knowledge- and community-making today and has a long history. The space adds new elements to the activity - drawing within a museum is a participatory action which interacts with art, history, communities and other visitors in the public space, adding a new dimension to the process and outcome. It is a unique form of active, reflective learning that enables active observation, inviting visitors - whether students, artists or general audiences - to interact with and interpret artworks in deeper personal and intellectually stimulating ways.

Starting with broader themes around drawing in public and of community involvement, and moving on to incorporation of sense and issues of materiality, the book concludes by offering recommendations around using drawing as art-based learning in museum settings.

The book combines texts that describe both practical experience and theoretical reflection, bringing in ideas that are pragmatic and consider drawing as an act. By combining together a range of voices from different fields of knowledge, from academic to artist-based practice, analogue to digital drawing, the chapters take steps to encourage museums, teachers and artists to extend their research in the field of art-based learning and to reflect, evaluate and pose critical questions within their own practice or institution.