Decolonizing European Museums

As institutions deeply shaped by and contributing to coloniality, museums have an immeasurable influence on how knowledge, people, and nature are classified and documented in Europe. Arantxa Ciafrino brings together ten case studies, ranging from contemporary dance choreographies and performances presented in prestigious institutions across European capitals to everyday rituals by artists and conceptual art exhibitions that place the public in relation to one another. Grounded in Sociomuseology, Dance and Performance Studies, and Decolonial Studies, the research draws on interviews with choreographers, artists, and museum professionals to reflect on how performance and dance can offer decolonial approaches to museum collections and practices.