Institutional membership
The MA's purpose is to champion the value of museums to society and support the people who work in them. We do this through a range of initiatives, including our policy and advocacy, professional development and best practice advice. We also create and facilitate fresh thinking with our projects and programmes.
Fighting for museums
Central and local government cuts have serious implications for all museums. We campaign vigorously on their behalf and have direct influence on government and major strategic bodies. We are at the heart of the fight to ensure that the value of museums is recognised.
As the only UK-wide independent body representing museums we are uniquely placed. It is our role to speak out without fear or favour on behalf of all museums, whatever their size, type or location.
In the last year the MA and its representatives have:
Setting new standards
In addition to our policy and advocacy work, we campaign and create new thinking in areas such as sustainability, diversity in the workforce, and the future of collections and collecting.
In consultation with our members we set the ethical standards for the profession; we can help you negotiate complex issues through our ethics guidelines.
Working in partnership with the MA, your institution could lead the way on thinking and strategy and shape the future of the UK’s museums and galleries.
Developing your staff
Your staff are the sector’s future leaders. It is vital that every employee is given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. We offer the highly regarded Associateship of the Museums Association (AMA). It is a cost effective way to put your staff through continuing professional development and it allows them to become better skilled and more motivated in their work.
We also run free members’ meetings throughout the country, where member representatives for regions will chair discussions on current issues and provide you with the opportunity to be involved in the MA’s work.
Keeping in touch
Our publications, website and online archives provide essential information to keep your organisation in touch with the latest news, projects and practice in the sector. Museums Journal is the leading magazine for the sector and its sister publication Museum Practice is now a vast online resource of best practice advice.
Our website is a powerful and growing resource for all professionals with member-only areas to help your staff get more from the MA and new interactive areas to help members contact each other. Make sure you are part of this influential network.
Your benefits
Please click here to download a membership form (pdf)
There has never been a more important time for museums to give their full support to the MA. Over 600 museums, galleries and historic houses are already members. We need you to join them."
Fighting for museums
Central and local government cuts have serious implications for all museums. We campaign vigorously on their behalf and have direct influence on government and major strategic bodies. We are at the heart of the fight to ensure that the value of museums is recognised.
As the only UK-wide independent body representing museums we are uniquely placed. It is our role to speak out without fear or favour on behalf of all museums, whatever their size, type or location.
In the last year the MA and its representatives have:
- appeared on numerous local and national media outlets
- pressed the case for museums to ministers in all the nations
- met with ACE, MLA, NMDC, NCA and other key organisations
- met with CyMAL, Northern Ireland Museums Council and Museums & Galleries Scotland
- contributed to the launch of the National Museum Strategy in Wales
- publicly condemned the Northern Ireland Culture Minister for interfering in museum programming
- conducted surveys to assess the potential damage of cuts
- expanded the web resources of Love Museums – our campaign to help
- museums advocate awarded Effective Collections grants of up to £25,000 to museums to better use stored collections
- launched the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund – a new scheme that will award £800,000 of grants a year.
Setting new standards
In addition to our policy and advocacy work, we campaign and create new thinking in areas such as sustainability, diversity in the workforce, and the future of collections and collecting.
In consultation with our members we set the ethical standards for the profession; we can help you negotiate complex issues through our ethics guidelines.
Working in partnership with the MA, your institution could lead the way on thinking and strategy and shape the future of the UK’s museums and galleries.
Developing your staff
Your staff are the sector’s future leaders. It is vital that every employee is given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. We offer the highly regarded Associateship of the Museums Association (AMA). It is a cost effective way to put your staff through continuing professional development and it allows them to become better skilled and more motivated in their work.
We also run free members’ meetings throughout the country, where member representatives for regions will chair discussions on current issues and provide you with the opportunity to be involved in the MA’s work.
Keeping in touch
Our publications, website and online archives provide essential information to keep your organisation in touch with the latest news, projects and practice in the sector. Museums Journal is the leading magazine for the sector and its sister publication Museum Practice is now a vast online resource of best practice advice.
Our website is a powerful and growing resource for all professionals with member-only areas to help your staff get more from the MA and new interactive areas to help members contact each other. Make sure you are part of this influential network.
Your benefits
- free policy reports and events
- direct representation on museum issues
- regional consultation on major issues
- free ethical guidance
- copies of the Code of Ethics
- free attendance for all your staff to members' meetings held in your nation or region
- advice and support from MA staff
- substantial discount for all your staff to attend the Annual Conference & Exhibition
- up to five copies of Museums Journal (MJ) monthly
- up to five subscriptions to Museum Practice online (MP)
- online access to the vast MP archive.
- discounts on all our publications including Museums & Galleries Yearbook.
Please click here to download a membership form (pdf)
