Constructivist Co-Curation

Constructivist Co-Curation: A Method of Interweaving Museum and School-Based Art Education offers an innovative approach to bridging the gap between museum and classroom. Drawing on a retrospective case study developed over twenty-eight years at the Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts, Viki D. Thompson Wylder and Marcia S. Meale present a step-by-step guide for art teachers and museum educators to collaborate in project design and exhibition curation. By inviting teachers, students, and families to co-design and curate exhibitions alongside museum professionals, this model dissolves unintentional barriers, deepens pedagogical impact, and fosters sustained engagement with original artworks, artist interactions, and museum resources. The method enriches school programs through expanded access to museum collections and activities, and empowers museums to extend their educational mission. Complete with practical tools, reflective prompts, and real-world examples, this "cutting edge" model transforms museum-school partnerships, promoting mutual conceptualization and shared purpose for lasting, meaningful community impact.