Course Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Management

Thesis Title:  Managing the New Museology: The changing role, purpose and management of Australian museums since 1980

Supervisors:  Assoc. Prof. Monica Kennedy, Prof. John Halligan and external Advisor, Dr. Kirsten Wehner (at the National Museum of Australia)

Abstract:

Museums in the current century are at a crossroads, subject to a number of internal and external pressures that are impacting upon their provision and type of services, social and economic roles and management style. This study is situated within the changing social, economic, cultural and political context in which Australian museums have operated since the 1980s. It intends to explore how museums are responding to these challenges through strategies and services such as greater access and information provision, attracting new and diverse audiences, increased organisational emphasis on education and learning, new interpretations and uses of collections and scholarship, evolving business models within the public sector and a greater social and economic role within communities at local, state and national levels. How museums function as organisations within the public sector, as ‘hybrids’, combining commercial and public sector roles , will similarly be analysed to highlight the changing organisational and managerial profile of Australian museums in the last few decades.

Biography:

Claire Baddeley is currently undertaking a PhD (Management) in the School of Business and Government at the University of Canberra. Prior to beginning her PhD study in 2007, Claire worked in a number of museums, galleries and cultural institutions in Victoria and the ACT. This has included curatorial, public programs and management positions at the Australian War Memorial, Melbourne Museum, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery and currently Old Parliament House. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (LaTrobe), Grad. Diploma Art Curatorial Studies (University of Melbourne), MA Museum Studies & Material Culture (Monash) & Master of Management (ANU).