Risk Assessment

At the board meeting, discussing Lahore Museum's planned extension, the thinking is largely routine to discussions that might be held anywhere.  On the use of space, land sites, logistics and pragmatics but also on how stakeholders might be involved and communities engaged.  An acknowledgement was given to the fact that social engagement and drawing in cultural diversity is also by its action, a political act.  This led the discussion towards a consideration of how wider engagement might be facilitated, whilst also acknowledging where blocks or detractors might appear.  The areas identified were potential commercial developers interested in the land sites and then possible reactions of the Talibhan to the museum development.  This was felt by those present to be a very real threat, an occurence had already taken place where the main doors had had to be swiftly closed remaining so for a week to prevent potentially large scale damage to the contents and property.  Those present discussed how such challenges might be contained, how they might develop the museum without putting at risk the objects and contents.  The discussions highlighted lives lived at the cutting edge where extremist activity is an everyday presence.  Where strategic thinking is not about a three year business plan but about how one manoeuvres within the social political context.  This was reflected in thinking about how one might develop a virtual presence, which is desperately needed.  Much reflection is needed on the thematic development of the collection, audience access and opportunities for engagement, the unique selling points of the pieces and the intricacies and stories contained within.  In this instance, however, there was also a sense of needing to play down the fact that Lahore Museum houses one of the foremost collections in Pakistan - so as not to draw undesirable attention to the work.  Such thinking was debated - and will likely continue to be debated - does one evade the issues, or does one project another approach or perspective to challenge simplistic, extremist, representations which appear to be dominating the landscape?  And, if one challenges - what are the risks?