Creating metaculture: Community-based work with the University of Victoria’s Williams Bequest

Abstract

The current use of the Michael Williams Collection at the University of Victoria provides a case study of a curating practice that develops and challenges Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett’s idea of metaculture. The collection itself may suggest the point of critical engagement for students developed by the teacher, who weaves in themes that are suggested by the history of that material. I will attempt to show my efforts to produce such a nexus through my recent efforts at working with the Williams bequest at the University of Victoria.