Just how many eggs does it take to make an omelette?

This is the first question raised in the Constituent Museum Cookbook, with many more questions to follow.

The Constituent Museum Cookbook outlines some of the projects that took place as part of the Constituent Museum Project from 2019-22, between the Van Abbemuseum (Eindhoven, NL) and the Whitworth (Manchester, UK).

The project explores different ways to connect with our local communities , bringing their voices and ideas to the fore, and reimagining the use of a museum.

Projects included Whitworth Community Representatives, electing local spokespeople for key decision making; Still Parents, working with families who have experienced baby loss; Who Are We?, exploring the traces of colonialism in Brabant (NL); and the Oakland Projects Revisited, working with young people on taking ownership of their public identity.

This cookbook gathers together personal stories and honest discoveries from many investigations and experiments over eighteen months.  The assembled ingredients for life can be used to cook up similar projects, seasoning existing ideals, or adding spice to your comfort food.  Nourishment is essential to a healthy Diest – nourishment that promotes creativity, a sense of belonging and place, as well as agency in the gallery and local community.

Take from it what you want, add to it, remix it, and bring your own recipes to the table.