Who Decides? Communities and Museums in Conversation

Co-presented by the UCLA Waystation Initiative, the Fowler Museum at UCLA, and the Museum of Us (San Diego), brings together community members, scholars, and museum professionals to explore experiences of working collaboratively on the restitution of cultural heritage and the development of stewardship practices that center community voices and decision-making.

Co-presented by the UCLA Waystation Initiative, the Fowler Museum at UCLA, and the Museum of Us (San Diego), this even brings together community members, scholars, and museum professionals to explore experiences of working collaboratively on the restitution of cultural heritage and the development of stewardship practices that center community voices and decision-making. 

The conversation will explore how museums and communities worldwide are working together to reimagine what these relationships can look like — moving away from one-sided, extractive practices toward something built on reciprocity, respect, and genuine collaboration. The event will offer a reflective and illuminating exchange and an affirming opportunity to witness a significant conversation about heritage justice, restoring balance, and supporting the self-determination of communities.

For participants, this is an opportunity to reach both a general public and scholarly audience, and to make the case — through lived experience and professional expertise — for why restitution matters so deeply and what more equitable relationships between institutions and communities of origin can look like.

Check back soon for registration details.