MIND the Community

Youth Engagement in the Transformation of a Former Psychiatric Hospital into a Museum about Mental Health

Abstract

The Scandinavian countries have a unique ‘association culture’ - not least in a museum and heritage context. The association culture has been an important driver for social capital and social sustainability, with museums playing a significant role. Whether these associations are social interest groups, sporting clubs, or museum associations, they adhere to formal procedures. However, young adults tend to be less willing to engage in the structures of traditional associations, including volunteer communities. Nonetheless, young adults still seek communities, albeit in new forms and contexts.

What happens when you mix such trends with the repurposing of heritage from a former psychiatric hospital?

The project MIND the Community aims to build a new type of community for young adults. The project centres around repurposing the heritage of a psychiatric hospital with the purpose of creating a vibrant heritage community eager to engage with juvenile challenges such as mental health.

• Community
• Young people
• Museum
• Repurposing of heritage