Why was I in Taipei anyway? I was there for the Museum 2012 conference. But being in a conference means much more than just sitting in conference rooms. I was scheduled to present my paper on the 3rd day. The first two involves key notes, plenary sessions, and museum tours. I will tell the story bit by bit.
What is a socially purposeful museum? More importantly, how do we make one? How do we involve the people in this creation?
Keynote speakers from various countries try to explain that.
The more interactive part is the plenary sessions where participants are divided into smaller groups, you can go to where you want to. There are several points of interests and specializations for the each of the plenary sessions.
When your mind is too full, you just cannot complain with the coffee break refreshments. I have mentioned this before, Taipei has the best cakes. Unexpected. But very true. I ate so much cake the week I was staying there.
There was also a small exhibit going on in the venue. This provides some visual stimulation from an intellectually enriching, yet challenging day.
It can get frustrating that I cannot read the exhibition notes, as they are in Chinese. But it does not lessen the interest that the exhibit can provoke.
I almost want to deconstruct this one.
What does this remind you of?
Museum 2012 was my first international conference. It was very overwhelming. But it was a start of an adventure. It is a conference with a purpose. Creating something that is useful, something that is a catalyst for change.
Portia Placino 