What sort of museum sector do we want, or expect, by 2020? How can we meet the challenges that are facing us and be the architects of our own destiny?
The Museums Association (MA) is launching Museums 2020, a UK-wide discussion that will invite people in museums, funders, policy-makers and other stakeholders to think afresh about the role of museums.
We want to create a bold vision with a focus on the impact museums could have on individuals and communities by 2020. We plan to take account of the views of the public and learn from existing evidence.
In summer 2012 the MA will publish a discussion paper and hold conversations with members throughout the UK. There will be a first chance to feed into Museums 2020 at the MA members’ meeting in Leicester on 14 March.
Museums can play their part by taking the lead on exploring and reporting on specific aspects of activity and impact in detail. We hope that a wide range of sector organisations will join in to ensure it is as open and well-informed as possible.
The process of developing this work will provide an opportunity for museums to develop their thinking and planning, and help them achieve their full potential for society.
I hope Museums 2020 will revitalise and enthuse staff and supporters, encouraging them to rediscover their passion for museums beyond current difficulties and challenges.
Museums 2020 will build on the MA’s existing work on sustainability and collections and will map a positive and radical view of the future. We will campaign for museums, policy-makers and funders to adopt and implement the vision.
I hope that through Museums 2020, the MA will generate a new vision of museums, fit for the 21st century.
Most importantly, it will enable museums to identify ways to increase their public benefit and better serve society today and in the future.
Vanessa Trevelyan is the president of the Museums Association
The Museums Association (MA) is launching Museums 2020, a UK-wide discussion that will invite people in museums, funders, policy-makers and other stakeholders to think afresh about the role of museums.
We want to create a bold vision with a focus on the impact museums could have on individuals and communities by 2020. We plan to take account of the views of the public and learn from existing evidence.
In summer 2012 the MA will publish a discussion paper and hold conversations with members throughout the UK. There will be a first chance to feed into Museums 2020 at the MA members’ meeting in Leicester on 14 March.
Museums can play their part by taking the lead on exploring and reporting on specific aspects of activity and impact in detail. We hope that a wide range of sector organisations will join in to ensure it is as open and well-informed as possible.
The process of developing this work will provide an opportunity for museums to develop their thinking and planning, and help them achieve their full potential for society.
I hope Museums 2020 will revitalise and enthuse staff and supporters, encouraging them to rediscover their passion for museums beyond current difficulties and challenges.
Museums 2020 will build on the MA’s existing work on sustainability and collections and will map a positive and radical view of the future. We will campaign for museums, policy-makers and funders to adopt and implement the vision.
I hope that through Museums 2020, the MA will generate a new vision of museums, fit for the 21st century.
Most importantly, it will enable museums to identify ways to increase their public benefit and better serve society today and in the future.
Vanessa Trevelyan is the president of the Museums Association
