Celebrating Scottish museums at the heart of their communities
Museums have a powerful impact on their communities. They increase our sense of wellbeing, help us feel proud of where we come from, and inspire, challenge and stimulate us. In this new series of Museums Change Lives case studies from across Scotland, we share how museums of all kinds are making an impact and creating positive, lasting change.
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Museums are vital spaces, rooted in our communities, responding to the challenges that are presented by current affairs, and now, when the world is more polarised than ever before, museums truly do have the potential to change lives.
Across Scotland, our museums are working with partners and communities to address inequalities, support mental health and build connections, creating lasting legacies of work.
From tackling rural isolation and supporting young people’s voices, to co-production of exhibitions that challenge injustice and spark conversation, these case studies show that not only do our Scottish museums care for and display a wide variety of collections but they are actively engaged in just as wide a variety of challenges that we are facing today.
Museums are not neutral spaces: narratives are re-examined, challenging histories are explored and diverse perspectives are centred. By collaborating with others and engaging communities in their work, these museums showcase just a snippet of what is possible when we work together with others.
The Museums Association (MA) is proud to champion this work in Scotland, recognising the key role that museums can play in building more inclusive and connected communities in a time when many feel more disconnected than ever before.
Ross McKirdy, board member, Museums Association and museum manager, Grampian Transport Museum
Case studies
Timespan | The People’s Mobile Archive
An outreach programme tackling rural isolation, health inequalities and cultural exclusion in East Sutherland
OnFife | Wellbeing at the Museum
Creative sessions for people experiencing symptoms of anxiety and social isolation
Scottish Maritime Museum | Working Together
Delivering health and wellbeing activities through co-production and partnership working
Stromness Museum | Oceans – Wellbeing – Youth project
Exploring the connections between ocean health, climate action and young people’s wellbeing
Glasgow Museums | Intercultural Youth Group
Establishing a creative community space for young people from minority ethnic groups in Glasgow
The Devil’s Porridge Museum | The museum as a community hub
Removing barriers to offer connection and community for local older and younger people
Glasgow Women’s Library | We Make Museums
Bringing together women with complex lived experiences to shape new approaches to collecting and commissioning
