Anna Arendse Thorsen

Short presentation

My PhD project investigates how Danish libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) engage with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through qualitative case studies.

In recent years, Danish LAMs have accelerated their engagement with the agenda of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Drag-bingo,” “rainbow shelves,” city walks, and special collections of refugees’ life stories are local examples of dissemination practices aimed at addressing structural inequalities, promoting recognition, and supporting representation in order to eliminate the institutionalized oppression of minorities. This commitment can be understood as a natural extension of cultural institutions' focus on supporting democratic participation, but it can also be interpreted as challenging the ideal of neutrality that has typically characterized these memory institutions. 

Drawing on queer theoretical perspectives and institutional theory, I examine how diversity initiatives influence the understanding of dissemination ideals such as neutrality and transparency. Ultimately, my project aims to provide insights into the evolving role of LAM institutions in fostering social change and to clarify this work’s broader implications.

My PhD fellowship is part of the VELUX-funded research project Post-neutrality in Libraries, Archives and Museums.