Stedelijk Museum Schiedam’s Pioneering Exhibition on Poverty

In the heart of the Dutch city of Schiedam, where one in six children grows up in poverty, the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, a pillar of the community, has embarked on a transformative journey.

Their exhibition ‘Out of Poverty’ is not just about viewing art; it is a lifeline woven through the canvas of real-life stories. By merging art history with pressing social issues, the museum exemplifies how cultural institutions can foster community engagement and address contemporary challenges.

Introduction to the Initiative

Dorien Theuns, the museum’s city programmer, and Merel van der Vaart, the city history curator, led this ambitious project. At a recent MuseumNext conference they emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling the complex and sensitive subject of poverty.

Recognising the issue’s urgency, the museum aimed to illuminate poverty while ensuring that the voices of those affected were central to the exhibition.

Collaborative Process

The journey began with extensive historical research, led by van der Vaart and a team of dedicated interns, to gather relevant content shaped by the input of local residents. Simultaneously, the museum commissioned three artists to create new works inspired by the experiences of those living in poverty. These artists, a designer, and an architect were integral to the co-creative process, working alongside community members to ensure the exhibition was meaningful and impactful.

One of the most innovative aspects of the exhibition was a project by Rotterdam-based artist Maarten Bel titled “Wish Works.” This initiative allowed individuals living in poverty to submit a wish for something they needed but could not afford. Bel then created watercolour drawings of these wishes, which were sold to exhibition visitors. The proceeds from each sale were used to purchase the item for the person who made the wish, directly linking art with tangible support for the community.

Engaging the Community

The museum faced the challenge of engaging residents living in poverty, who might not naturally gravitate towards participating in a museum program. The museum invited individuals to join the co-creative process through partnerships with five local organisations. This effort resulted in a group of 11 women, referred to as “experience experts,” who played a pivotal role in shaping the exhibition.

The group met four times, each session hosted by a different social partner in various parts of the city. These meetings, which included meals and discussions, allowed the participants to share their stories and perspectives on poverty. Fenna, one of the experience experts, shared her struggle between feeding her children and paying the rent. Like many others, her story became a vital part of the exhibition, adding a deeply personal dimension to the art on display.

Key Themes and Participation

Four central themes emerged from the discussions: lack of freedom, physical and mental health, self-reliance, creativity and power, and relationships with others and children. The experience experts were further involved by bringing in personal objects, selecting works of art, and even participating in guided tours of the exhibition. Their engagement was instrumental in creating an exhibition that was not only informative but also deeply personal and empowering, inspiring a sense of hope and possibility.

Impact and Reception

The inclusion of art in the exhibition played a crucial role in its success. Initially, there were reservations about adding another layer to an already complex project. However, the art component attracted a broader audience and garnered significant media attention, including a rave review in a national newspaper two and a half weeks after the opening.

The exhibition achieved its goal of making a meaningful impact on various audiences. It provided those unfamiliar with poverty a glimpse into the daily struggles faced by the affected individuals, offered hope and visibility to those living in poverty, and educated professionals who work with poverty-related issues about the personal dimensions of their work, fostering a sense of enlightenment and empathy.

Long-term Commitment and Legacy

The exhibition’s success has spurred the museum to implement several ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting the community. These include free children’s parties and art classes for those who cannot afford them, a pay-as-you-like lunch program, and a shop selling products that benefit social partners. Additionally, the museum has become a distribution point for menstrual products and donates leftover materials to those in need.

The museum’s partnerships, particularly with figures like Vanessa Umbo, have been instrumental in bringing attention to the exhibition at the national level, including visits from politicians and government officials. This high-level engagement highlights the exhibition’s potential to influence policy and drive social change.

Conclusion

Stedelijk Museum Schiedam’s exhibition on poverty showcases the power of art and collaboration in addressing social issues. By meaningfully involving the community and trusting the co-creative process, the museum crafted a compelling exhibition that fostered a sense of empowerment and visibility for those affected by poverty. This initiative serves as a model for other institutions seeking to bridge the gap between art and society, demonstrating that museums can play a vital role in addressing contemporary social challenges.

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Dorien Theuns and Merel van der Vaart from Stedelijk Museum Schiedam spoke about their Out of Poverty exhibition at the MuseumNext : Museums and Social Impact Summit in May 2024.