“There shouldn't be a divide between old and young people when it comes to art museums. Accessibility is important and the transformation of museums has to continue happening over time. More young people need to get involved and become friends of the museums, patrons and trustees."

This was the message from Marilyn Martin, former director of Iziko South African National Gallery, when she spoke at the Stellenbosch University Museum on Wednesday (23 October 2019) as part of a lunchtime conversation about her book, Between Dreams and Realities: A History of the South African National Gallery, 1871–2017.

During her conversation, she also encouraged young people to be more involved in the art museum space and said the role of museums should help bridge the gap through education.

According to Martin, art museums should not be seen as exclusive and elitist, because she believes that, “you do not need to be an expert and know art in order to enjoy it. All you need to do is be open to it and experience it for yourself."

Martin's conversation at the museum was largely based on her book, which focuses on her work experience and extensive research on the art museum industry. The book also highlights the achievements of directors, who often faced political agendas, strained relationships within and outside the institution and celebrates South Africa's heritage, art history and cultural wealth.

“There has been fundamental changes in the South African museum eco system. There needs to be a clear distinction between private and public museums. As many art museums face financial constraints these days, we need to ask the question, 'Who wields the power?' And, 'have men, money and the market captured the art museum space?'," says Martin.

Martin believes that the distinction between public and private museums has not received much attention but the arrival of major private initiatives in Cape Town has created an opportunity to revisit nomenclature that are taken for granted. She says there should be a discussion on the differences, similarities and intersections.

Since her retirement from Iziko Museums in 2008, she has been working as an independent writer and curator. Prior to her career in the museum sector, she was senior lecturer in the Department of Architecture at Wits University.

Martin was also a Visiting Professor at Kingston University, United Kingdom (2008–2011) and a senior scholar at the Michaelis School of Fine Art and lecturing in Visual and Art History at UCT. In July 2016, she was appointed as an Honorary Research Associate at UCT.

Martin has participated in conferences, both nationally and internationally, and has written numerous articles on art and culture in national and international publications. Her biographical listings include Who's Who of Southern Africa and The International Who's Who of Women.

For more information on her latest book, Between Dreams and Realities: A History of the South African National Gallery, 1871–2017, click here.​

In the photo above from left, Bongani Mgijima and Marilyn Martin.