New report says Museum creates positive image of Australian Muslims

A new report launched today at the Islamic Museum of Australia highlights the important role of the museum in creating a positive image of Australian Muslims and fostering social inclusion.

The Co-creating value: Islamic Museum of Australia interim report is the result of a 12-month Deakin University study into the museum’s renowned arts-based initiatives.

Professor Ruth Rentschler, Chair in Arts and Entertainment Management and lead researcher on the project, explained that the study examined how the Islamic Museum of Australia (IMA) created value through the arts in a museum context.

“In particular, we wanted to find out how and why arts-based initiatives such as exhibitions and community events are facilitating social inclusion,” Professor Rentschler said.  

“We interviewed stakeholders – including Jewish, Christian and Muslim community leaders, political and government representatives, and philanthropists and supporters – analysed the 750 entries in the 110-page visitor book, observed visitors, and held workshops.

“Most importantly, we held four focus groups with Muslim visitors and non-visitors and non-Muslim visitors and non-visitors.

“By gathering a wide range of viewpoints, we were able to articulate a clear picture of the experiences, motivators, fears, barriers and constraints felt by visitors and non-visitors at the individual, community and societal levels.”

Professor Rentschler explained that the study’s findings clearly showed that a visit to the IMA can be a powerful catalyst for change.

“At a time when Islam is increasingly associated with terrorism and the source of much fear in the community, the Islamic Museum of Australia provides an opportunity to make community connections by breaking down stereotypes,” Professor Rentschler said.  

“While many non-Muslims who had not attended the museum held stereotypical views about Muslims, those who did visit the IMA came away feeling ‘enlightened’ and ‘impressed’.

“For non-Muslims who are yet to visit the IMA, we found that there is sometimes a fear of the unknown, anxiety about someone wanting to foist their religion on them or lack of awareness of the IMA at all.”

Professor Rentschler explained that one of the most interesting outcomes of the study was how often the word ‘inspiring’ was used by visitors, both Muslim and non-Muslim alike, in describing the museum.  

“Visitors felt enriched or enlightened in being able to learn about and learn new things, such as the achievements of Muslims in history, in Australia and through discoveries,” Professor Rentschler said.

“We found that the IMA and its arts-based initiatives are seen to create pride, a sense of belonging and a strengthening of identity, all of which are key factors in social inclusion.

“Furthermore, our findings suggest that this sense of pride has the potential to play a significant role in preventing young Muslims from being radicalised and also any possible retaliation in the face of negative stereotypes.”

The Co-creating value: Islamic Museum of Australia interim report will be launched today at the Islamic Museum of Australia by His Excellency Mr Ahmed Fahour, Australia’s Special Envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Professor Ruth Rentschler, Chair in Arts and Entertainment Management at Deakin University.

His Excellency Mr Iyad Ameen Madani, Secretary General of the OIC, will be the chief guest at the launch.