Museums across South-West England are taking part in a project to help embed inclusive practice in their work and increase their relevance to communities.
Connected for Change: Building Sustainable Inclusive Practice within Museums is led by Museum Development South West, which supports the sector in the region.
The initiative brings together “expertise, lived experience and established local museum networks to support museums to move beyond short-term initiatives and towards resilient, community connected ways of working”.
A statement from Museum Development South West said the project comes at a critical time for museums, with the sector facing unprecedented pressures. More than 20% of museums reported reduced income and almost two thirds were experiencing volunteer shortages, according to an annual Museum Survey of non-national museums carried out by Museums Development England.
Museum Development South West also said that expectations are growing for museums to become more inclusive, accessible and representative of the communities they serve – often without the long term support needed to embed meaningful change. For many staff and volunteers advocating for wider inclusion, this work can feel isolating and under resourced.
The £90,000 project is backed by a £72,500 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund alongside funding from Arts Council England Museum Development Fund.
Connected for Change builds on earlier lottery-supported Museum Development South West projects, Travelling Together and Growing Together, which offered sustained, peer supported learning.
Museums, staff and volunteers in South West England who want to take part in Connected for Change should contact Clare Ferdinando – clare.ferdinando@bristol.gov.uk or get in touch via the Museum Development South West website.
