In this insightful piece, Amanda explores how metadata—the descriptive language tied to cultural objects—can play a vital role in confronting colonial legacies within museums. She shares how Curationist is adding context that challenges dominant narratives and makes space for historically excluded voices, especially around issues like the male gaze, exoticism, and erasure in digital collections.
The article underscores metadata’s potential as both a tool for access and a pathway toward equity and ethical stewardship in the digital age.

It is a compelling articulation of how metadata—so often treated as a technical afterthought—is in fact central to equity, access, and cultural accountability in the digital age. Her writing highlights not only the importance of our work at Curationist but also the values that guide us: transparency, inclusion, and critical engagement with history.
– Christian Dawson, Executive Director, Curationist