Past the point of no returns
It could be a watershed year, following developments in several long-running disputes – despite some less-than-helpful interventions from the government
Analysis
Cyber security is an urgent priority for the sector
With the fallout from the cyber-attack on the British Library still being felt, museums should act fast to ensure their data is secure
The battle over free speech
The recent furore over Arts Council England’s guidance on risk has raised questions about censorship in museums
Are museums ready for the intelligence test?
Artificial intelligence will have a major impact on how museums work. But how can we maximise these new tools while mitigating against the ethical and practical pitfalls?
It’s time for museums to set their records straight
The high-profile alleged thefts from the British Museum have highlighted the need for the sector to improve the cataloguing of objects in its collections
Heat is on for the sector’s climate commitments
The first UK Museum Cop coincided with a range of pledges about the climate crisis and sustainability, but there is concern that progress is too slow
Welsh art galleries have their eyes on the prize
Expanding the Artes Mundi exhibition beyond Cardiff reflects wider moves to strengthen Wales’ visual arts sector
Civic museums grapple with existential crisis
With several councils in England facing financial meltdown, there is an urgent need to create a new deal for local authority-funded institutions
Scotland’s museums are at a tipping point
After more than a decade of funding cuts, some services are struggling to finance education and outreach programmes. Jonathan Knott finds that the existing model may not be sustainable
Inclusive recruitment is still a work in progress
Cultural institutions’ approach to employing disabled people has often felt more like a box-ticking exercise. But new practice on inclusive recruitment could change this
Disability rights have fallen off the political agenda
Ableism is still pervasive and widely tolerated in the heritage sector, which has a long way to go before it can call itself truly inclusive
Why are volunteers still missing in action?
The fallout from Covid and the cost-of-living crisis is making it harder for many museums and galleries to attract and retain volunteers. Simon Stephens reports