Museums are frequently sites of struggle and negotiation. They are key cultural institutions that occupy an oftentimes uncomfortable place at the crossroads of the arts, culture, various levels of government, corporate ventures, and the public. Because of this, museums are targeted by political action but can also provide support for con- tentious politics. Though protests at museums are understudied, they are far from anomalous. Tear Gas Epiphanies traces the as-yet-untold story of political action at museums in Canada from the early twentieth century to the present. The book looks at how museums do or do not archive protest ephemera, examining a range of responses to actions taking place at their thresholds, from active encourage- ment to belligerent dismissal. Drawing together extensive primary-source research and analysis, Robertson questions widespread perceptions of museums, strongly arguing for a reconsideration of their role in contemporary society that takes into account political conflict and protest as key ingredients in museum life. The sheer number of protest actions Robertson uncovers is compelling. Ambitious and wide- ranging, Tear Gas Epiphanies provides a thorough and conscientious survey of key points of intersec- tion between museums and protest – a valuable resource for university students and scholars, as well as arts professionals working at and with museums. Kirsty Robertson is associate professor of museum studies and contemporary art at the University of Western Ontario and co-editor and writer of a number of books, including Negotiations in a Vacant Lot: Studying the Visual in Canada. 2 3 M Q U P S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 M U S E U M S T U D I E S • A R T H I S T O R Y Tear Gas Epiphanies Protest, Culture, Museums kirsty robertson A groundbreaking book recounting the as-yet-untold story of political action at museums in Canada from 1900 to the present. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S ($Ht..7’d008L3;g0om02N299T bo8oCto8 G9d8Cort98 crdCt03 t8 £2r @t3r92f May 2019 -5,7a755pl7l5aS75 4p-i-l£ bAU1 4p-i-l£ Dc1 kpsiaa 6o602 -5,7a755pl7l5aa7a 4Ssliaac bAU1 4Ssliaac Dc1 kSaaiaa $.9ru 5il B Sa haa66 hl 6u9r931 $9.9d2 30$rt98 0g99T omot.oN.0