Museos: entre identidades cristalizadas y mercados transnacionales

Abstract

This article approaches, firstly, the problematic of the new coordinates implied in transnationalisation, and the place occupied by culture in this process. Then, the recent development of the Argentinean cultural sector and the changes undergone by the museum institution are characterised, considering patrimony constitution with regards to cultural policies and cultural management. The focus is then cast on the case of the Museo de Arte Popular José Hernández, and a specific activity is analysed, that of the Exposición y Feria Artesanal Cultural de los Pueblos Originarios. This exhibition is part of a programme of indigenous handcraft and artisans valorisation, which development makes evident the conflicts for the definition and appropriation of patrimony, and for the visibility and dignified recognition of the social identity of its producers within the context of transnationalisation. This allows for the study of the difficulties experienced in the fulfilling of the aims proposed by the museum, when the renovation of the institution and of its management practices are not accompanied by transversal public cultural policies, which would guide and potentialise the work in the intended directions.