Museums have a great many beneficial impacts – or at least like to claim that they do. They contribute to learning, well-being, economic activity, employability and health.
They strengthen communities, serve society and are kind to the environment. Museums can be so much more than buildings that present collections.
The Museums 2020 discussion paper argues that every museum can have a bigger impact – make a greater difference to individuals, communities, society and the environment.
It explores the main impacts museums have and identifies the emerging trends in UK museum work as: well-being/happiness, participation/co-production and human rights/social change.
But what are the implications for museums if they believe this work really matters? The discussion paper wonders whether museums have the right buildings and the right skills. Are they equipped to go beyond presenting aspects of art, history and science? Can they adequately respond to changing public interests and needs?
Are unchanging permanent displays of artefacts and specimens the best way to engage with the issues that really matter to society?
Could museums make more of a difference if their buildings were more flexible – and if they worked more offsite, out in real and virtual communities? What skills are needed by people who work for museums? And what partnerships will help museums have a bigger impact?
All these questions, and more, are posed in the discussion paper and being debated on the Museums Association website.
Please read the paper and what other people are saying and let us know what you think.
And if you’d like to explore what a new focus on impact could mean for your museum, then come to a free half-day Museums 2020 workshop. They’re being held throughout the UK this autumn. I look forward to seeing you there.
Maurice Davies is the head of policy and communication at the Museums Association
They strengthen communities, serve society and are kind to the environment. Museums can be so much more than buildings that present collections.
The Museums 2020 discussion paper argues that every museum can have a bigger impact – make a greater difference to individuals, communities, society and the environment.
It explores the main impacts museums have and identifies the emerging trends in UK museum work as: well-being/happiness, participation/co-production and human rights/social change.
But what are the implications for museums if they believe this work really matters? The discussion paper wonders whether museums have the right buildings and the right skills. Are they equipped to go beyond presenting aspects of art, history and science? Can they adequately respond to changing public interests and needs?
Are unchanging permanent displays of artefacts and specimens the best way to engage with the issues that really matter to society?
Could museums make more of a difference if their buildings were more flexible – and if they worked more offsite, out in real and virtual communities? What skills are needed by people who work for museums? And what partnerships will help museums have a bigger impact?
All these questions, and more, are posed in the discussion paper and being debated on the Museums Association website.
Please read the paper and what other people are saying and let us know what you think.
And if you’d like to explore what a new focus on impact could mean for your museum, then come to a free half-day Museums 2020 workshop. They’re being held throughout the UK this autumn. I look forward to seeing you there.
Maurice Davies is the head of policy and communication at the Museums Association
