Advocacy

We advocate for and support museums and everyone who works in and with them

We collaborate with partners to make the case for investment in museums to politicians, stakeholders and funders in all four nations of the UK so that the value and impact of museums and their collections is realised.

Latest updates

A volunteer works on a mechanical exhibition at a museum

Join us in responding to government’s call for evidence on lottery funding

Help make the case for museums by responding to this consultation

A person stands beside rows of drawers, looking at index cards pulled from one open drawer, in what appears to be a card catalog or archive room.

Our response to the Consultation on Priorities for the Seventh Senedd

Supporting the vision for inclusive, participatory and sustainable museums at the heart of their communities

A woman in a red Museums Change Lives shirt sits and smiles beside a banner promoting the positive impact of museums on communities. The banner includes text and a link for more information.

The impact of museums across the UK

We’ve pulled together some statistics on the critical importance of museums to our communities and our economy

Our response to the Museum Policy for Northern Ireland Consultation

We raised the importance of strategic public investment in culture

How can local councils support museums?

Hundreds of museums in England are run or supported by councils – find out more about what councils can do to help

A person speaks on a panel at an MA conference

Advocacy after the Scottish Parliament election 2026

This is an opportune moment to engage with your newly elected (or re-elected) MSPs

Manifestos

A manifesto for museums in Wales

Museums in Wales are at the heart of their local communities, providing a sense of place – Cynefin – and belonging – Perthyn

A manifesto for museums in Scotland

In the run up to the Scottish Parliament election in 2026, we called for everyone to have the right to access to museums

A manifesto for museums in Northern Ireland

Museums reflect the stories, achievements and ambitions of everyone across Northern Ireland, playing a vital role in our communities

A crowd of people, dressed in winter clothing, engage in conversation at an MA conference

Blog | Advocacy works

Raising the profile of museums and communicating their value to those who hold the purse strings

Attendees gather at a reception at Scottish Parliament

Blog | Scotland needs a strategic approach to public funding for museums

Museums can be spaces to hear the stories of local people in their own words, but in some cases those voices are being stifled by cuts

Blog | A small amount of investment in museums can go a very long way

The sector is ready to help the new government deliver on key policy areas – but it needs support, says MA director Sharon Heal