Laura Raicovich's 'Culture Strike' Critiques Museum Neutrality and Reform

In her book 'Culture Strike: Art and Museums in an Age of Protest,' Laura Raicovich contends that museums cannot be considered neutral, asserting that claims of impartiality often conceal oppressive power dynamics. Drawing from her tenure as the former director of New York's Queens Museum during Donald Trump's presidency, she recounts how her pro-immigrant views and opposition to a pro-Israel event resulted in her resignation. Raicovich addresses recent issues like the Sackler funding controversies and the cancellation of the Philip Guston retrospective, urging museums to emphasize care and action instead of 'false neutrality.' Critics view her approach as reformist, concentrating on management changes and diversity rather than advocating for significant transformation. The book, published by Verso in November 2021, retails for £14.99.