Fatshimetrie poses a significant challenge in today’s world: how to engage young people in museums and cultivate their interest in cultural and historical heritage. With data indicating that a majority of museum-goers are aged over 30, it becomes imperative to attract younger generations to ensure the preservation of our heritage for the future.
In a digital age where youths spend an average of over seven hours daily on screens, the task at hand is daunting. Many are reluctant to venture out of their homes, preferring to stay connected through social networks. The allure of personalized online entertainment has led to a shift towards solitary activities, a phenomenon often referred to as the “Netflixification of entertainment.” Why go out when one can access tailored content from the comfort of home?
To entice young people to explore museums, it is crucial to create captivating and interactive experiences. Sabine Lehmann, founder of the African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA) and director of Curiositas consultancy agency, emphasizes the necessity of adapting tourist attractions, especially museums and heritage sites, to cater to users’ evolving preferences.
One key strategy is implementing design thinking to involve young individuals in the creation of products and services. This innovative approach challenges users to rethink their assumptions, fostering the development of creative and human-centric solutions to address existing issues.
The recent “Reinventing Heritage and Museums” Conference delved deep into this concept, engaging 100 delegates in a design thinking session at Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika. The objective was to reimagine future museums through a visitor-centric lens, transforming them from static repositories into dynamic spaces for dialogue, discovery, and creativity—a platform for genuine human connections.
Despite their adeptness with technology, studies show that 73% of Generation Z individuals experience feelings of loneliness, underscoring their yearning for meaningful human interactions. Museums and heritage sites hold the promise of fostering such connections.
Initiatives like “First Thursdays” in downtown Cape Town have shown promising results by opening galleries and museums once a month, offering drinks, and playing music to attract a diverse audience, including young people and families.
To draw young visitors to museums, it is essential to address barriers like high entry fees, inconvenient timings, and specific exhibition content. Transitioning from a passive spectator model to one centered around active engagement is crucial in appealing to Generation Z’s preferences.
To reinvent museum spaces successfully, the focus should be on facilitating meaningful connections among individuals. A museum visit should offer opportunities for interaction and shared experiences, contrasting the isolating nature of digital entertainment.
In conclusion, addressing the challenge of Fatshimetrie and engaging young people in museums requires the design of immersive, human-centered experiences that foster connection, discovery, and creativity. It is time to bridge the gap between personalized entertainment at home and collective cultural exploration outside.