Laharee Mitra

My project explores how decolonisation guidance from scholars, professional organisations and museum leaders affects the learning approach used by museums and the practice of learning staff, particularly those in public-facing roles. Drawing on literature from museum studies, psychology and decolonial theory, I will examine how this guidance is enacted through interactions between institutions, individual staff and audiences to build a comprehensive picture of the changes that occur. Using ethnographic case studies of UK-based museums who have publicly announced their commitment to decolonisation as part of their institutions’ work, this project aims to shed light on effective strategies for implementing decolonisation guidance that responds to specific concerns of various practitioners and public trust in decolonial work. 

I am currently in the 1st year of a PhD at the University of Brighton, UK, funded by AHRC Techne, studying about museum learning practice and public engagement with decolonisation. I have previously worked at Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai, assisting with collections research, education and exhibition programming. I also have worked with other organisations to assist with exhibition planning, including Kew Gardens, London, Centre of World Environmental History and the V&A, London. I have an MA in Anthropology  and Museum Practice, Goldsmith, University of London, an MA in Art History and Museum Curating, University of Sussex, UK and a BA in Psychology, Sociology and Literature, Christ University, Bangalore. My research interests include public engagement with heritage, emotional experiences in museums and decolonisation theory.