Storytelling Workshop: Museums, Equity And Docents Reimagined

Chloe Dukes revisit the 2021 “controversy” of #DOCENTGATE. Following the pandemic, a social uprising and beckoning calls for equity, the Art Institute of Chicago made the decision to disband their traditional volunteer-based docent program. This led to confusion among volunteers, and bad faith responses from right-wing reactionaries. Dukes brings some thoughts and commentary, as well as how the museum has reimagined the docent program.

This segment was produced by Chloe Dukes for Vocalo’s Spring 2023 Storytelling Workshop. Vocalo’s quarterly Storytelling Workshop took place this spring with seven segments produced by community storytellers, uplifting the voices of individuals who add to the rich cultural diversity of Chicago. It was edited by Ari Mejia. More information can be found at www.vocalo.org/storytelling-workshop.