Who make up akichi?

Goki Miyakita I engage in activities in the fields of UX design and digital humanities at KeMCo.

In this section, I will discuss people gathering in akichi.

In the previous activity, we explored the notion of Object-based Learning and how it is implemented in KeMCo to enhance engagement with the community collections.

In this activity, followed by 6 steps, we will focus more specifically on the people surrounding the collections. As we have explored in Week 1, community collections are intimately connected to the people who create, care for, or use them. In alignment with the evolving dynamics of the community and its inherent changes, it is essential to continuously adapt collections to the shifting needs and dynamics of the community. Especially, in the context of a university museum, collaboration with various stakeholders, such as faculty members, administration staff members, students, visitors, partners and collaborating institutions, can foster a more inclusive and meaningful representation of the community collections, thereby enriching both the university and the wider community.

As a university museum, KeMCo acts as a hub of collections and educational/research activities, and plays a vital role in connecting academic knowledge with community interests. The museum also has the unique responsibility of reflecting and celebrating the diverse voices and experiences that shape both the university and its surrounding community. Thus, through active engagement with different stakeholders, KeMCo is able to push the boundaries of traditional disciplines and stimulate intellectual curiosity. By understanding the roles and contributions of the stakeholders, university museums like KeMCo can create a more meaningful and impactful places like akichi and further have the potential to turn their collections into dynamic spaces for exploration and innovation.

There are various stakeholders involved in shaping and influencing community collections as well as an akichi.In this activity, we will focus on five primary groups:

• Faculty: contribute to the curation of exhibits. They pursue research and educational projects that draw on the museum’s resources and activities.
• Administrators: ensure operational needs within the university, support the integration of museum resources into education and research, and further leverage the museum’s public-facing role.
• Students: play a multifaceted role that encompasses both learning and contribution. They gain hands-on experience in museum practices and also get involved in community engagement.
• Visitors: engage with exhibits and programs, benefiting from the educational and cultural offerings of the museum therein providing insight to the greater public.
• Partners and collaborating institutions: help to foster a richer understanding and engagement with the collections, and enhance the educational experience for a broader audience.

By actively seeking input from these stakeholders, KeMCo creates open channels for communication as well as an environment of collaborationThis in turn ensures that the collections remain vibrant, responsive, and integral to both academic pursuits and community engagement. In the next step, we will delve deeper into the specific roles each stakeholder group plays and understand their individual perspectives.

Throughout this activity, you will gain practical insights into how active participation can make a difference in the collection management process.