12 June 2026

The racist violence that has taken place in Belfast this week, and the unrest in other parts of the UK, is deeply concerning. The Museums Association (MA) stands in solidarity with the people and communities that have been impacted, particularly those who have been forced from their homes in fear.

The MA champions diversity and equity and we campaign for social justice and stand against racism. We condemn the hate, violence and racism that has been directed towards people from global majority communities, refugees, migrants and those seeking asylum.

The Code of Ethics for Museums says museums and those who work in and with them should promote diversity and equity by fostering understanding and good relations between people of different identities and beliefs, and embrace an approach that is anti-discriminatory and anti-racist.

We know that some museums in Belfast have made adjustments to opening hours and programming to support the safety of staff and visitors.

Here are some ways that museums might begin to help now and in the future: 

  • Workforce – prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the workforce. Check in on global majority staff and volunteers and consider if travelling to and from the museum makes them fearful or puts them at risk of violence. Museums could consider covering the cost of taxis for global majority staff who need to travel to the museum, such as front-of-house colleagues.
  • Buildings – open spaces as safe places for communities to come together for respite, dialogue and healing.
  • Communities – check in with community organisations, listen to their concerns and demonstrate that we are there to support them.
  • Collections – use our collections as a way of telling stories of migration and colonialism.  
  • Programming – work to create inclusive events and exhibitions that support discussion of contemporary issues.  

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Support from the MA:

  • Our Supporting Anti-Racism online learning course aims to raise individual awareness and build confidence in taking action for anti-racism.
  • Our Wellbeing Hub contains resources that museum leaders and white colleagues can use to support global majority colleagues.
  • Our Anti-Racist Museums Programme supports museums across the UK to work towards becoming anti-racist organisations.
  • Watch our webinars and read our articles in Museums Journal for case studies and practical advice on how museums are taking anti-racist action.
  • We will create a space at the upcoming MA conference to have a facilitated dialogue about anti-immigration sentiment, the impact of the rise of far-right rhetoric on the sector and what we can do to resist.

Please get in touch if there is anything that the MA can do to support you as an individual or an institution, or to share any of your messaging or work in this area.

Image: Belfast City Hall. William Murphy/Flickr