The influence of third wave feminism on Dutch museums and exhibitions between 1990 and 2005

This thesis explores the influence of third-wave feminism on Dutch museums between 1990 and 2005, with a focus on the positionality of three prominent art museums: Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, Centraal Museum Utrecht, and Museum Arnhem. The research investigates how these institutions integrated feminist principles into their policies and exhibition practices, particularly concerning the representation of female visual artists. In the late 2000s, feminist theorists have already promoted a new feminist museology where the museum practices are central. Therefore, this thesis studies the following research question: How did museums position themselves vis-à-vis the third feminist wave and female visual artists in the Netherlands during the period 1990-2005? This project employs both qualitative analysis and cultural performance theory on the museum policies, promotional material and more general documentation of the museums, like meeting notes. The analysis shows that there is a growing awareness of the inequality of female visual artists. Actual change is limited, and it comes from individuals or is focused on the internal structures and the management of the museum. Municipalities and organisation that work together with the museums do see the need for social change and women's emancipation. This is however limited to changes in leadership and not changes in the exhibition program. The analysed exhibitions display social situations, which are convincing the visitor of societal messages implied in the art and the messages of the art. With this analysis, the main finding in this thesis is the museums becoming more aware of gender inequalities in the art world. The museums make efforts to highlight female visual artists and societal themes in exhibition programs, but the overall representation remains disproportionally low. This thesis presents the need for museums to engage with feminist theories. Additionally, museums can play a crucial role in raising awareness on social inequalities and promoting gender equality in the art world and cultural sector.