The 2020 column
Looking to the future is a necessity not a luxury
The Museums 2020 discussion paper is kicking off a few debates, such as the feature in this issue of Museums Journal asking whether permanent galleries have had their day. You can also join the debate on Twitter at #Museums2020 and there are comments on the Museums Association (MA) website, too.
The first Museums 2020 workshops, in Birmingham and Liverpool, stimulated mixed responses. So far, most people say they’ve found it useful to look outwards and think about the impact of museums – the difference they make to individuals, communities, society and the environment.
People have also recognised the value of working in carefully chosen partnerships to increase impact and that focusing on the quality of people’s engagement with a museum might matter more than trying to constantly increase visitor numbers.
But there have been differences of opinion, too. Some people have completely signed up to the central idea that every museum should strive to make a greater difference to people’s lives – and say that Museums 2020 is helping them rethink the future of their museum.
But others see this as somehow less central than more traditional collections-based work. One workshop attendee reminded us that people use museums in varied ways and “see value in our buildings as spaces, as well as places of learning”.
Others think that given the current “crisis” it’s too much of a luxury to consider the future. I prefer the views of the attendee who said “when the priority is surviving, it’s important to consider the bigger picture. Museums will continue to exist if they are perceived to have a role.” One of the aims of Museums 2020 is to help you think about what your museum’s role could be.
We need your views to take Museums 2020 forward, so please read the document and send your thoughts before 31 October. See the comment section, come to a workshop – or email me directly.
Maurice Davies is the head of policy and communication at the MA
The first Museums 2020 workshops, in Birmingham and Liverpool, stimulated mixed responses. So far, most people say they’ve found it useful to look outwards and think about the impact of museums – the difference they make to individuals, communities, society and the environment.
People have also recognised the value of working in carefully chosen partnerships to increase impact and that focusing on the quality of people’s engagement with a museum might matter more than trying to constantly increase visitor numbers.
But there have been differences of opinion, too. Some people have completely signed up to the central idea that every museum should strive to make a greater difference to people’s lives – and say that Museums 2020 is helping them rethink the future of their museum.
But others see this as somehow less central than more traditional collections-based work. One workshop attendee reminded us that people use museums in varied ways and “see value in our buildings as spaces, as well as places of learning”.
Others think that given the current “crisis” it’s too much of a luxury to consider the future. I prefer the views of the attendee who said “when the priority is surviving, it’s important to consider the bigger picture. Museums will continue to exist if they are perceived to have a role.” One of the aims of Museums 2020 is to help you think about what your museum’s role could be.
We need your views to take Museums 2020 forward, so please read the document and send your thoughts before 31 October. See the comment section, come to a workshop – or email me directly.
Maurice Davies is the head of policy and communication at the MA