This month marks the launch of Museums Change Lives. It is the culmination of many months’ work by the Museums Association including consultation with the sector, public attitude research and sounding out stakeholders and third-sector organisations about what impact they think museums can have on society.
At a time when museums face cuts, closures and uncertainty, while discussions about cultural value, the use of collections and sustainability continue, it’s refreshing to think about the positive role that museums can play in people’s lives.
The report outlines how museums can have an impact on individuals, communities and the wider world. Social justice and the public as active participants are at its heart. And what I like about it is that it applies to all museums, whatever their collection or size.
Museums Change Lives outlines case studies showing where museums of all types have made an impact on individuals and communities. It concludes with a list of actions that can point those that are willing in the right direction.
Of course, not everyone will agree that this is what museums should be doing. But do we really want to stand aside from society, divorced from the everyday reality that visitors and the public face?
I hope Museums Change Lives will be seized upon by the sector and used as a working document to focus on what museums can do to boost their impact.
Not everything has to cost money; thinking creatively about partnerships and seeking out other organisations and individuals that have the appropriate skills and links will be a step in the right direction.
Training and sharing practice in this area will also help, including at this year’s Museums Association conference, where it will be debated.
But I hope that funders and policy makers also take note. Funding streams that reward this type of work would be ideal, especially in these straitened times, and could even help museums to change lives.
Sharon Heal, editor, Museums Journal
sharon@museumsassociation.org
www.twitter.com/sharonheal
www.museumsassociation.org/conference
At a time when museums face cuts, closures and uncertainty, while discussions about cultural value, the use of collections and sustainability continue, it’s refreshing to think about the positive role that museums can play in people’s lives.
The report outlines how museums can have an impact on individuals, communities and the wider world. Social justice and the public as active participants are at its heart. And what I like about it is that it applies to all museums, whatever their collection or size.
Museums Change Lives outlines case studies showing where museums of all types have made an impact on individuals and communities. It concludes with a list of actions that can point those that are willing in the right direction.
Of course, not everyone will agree that this is what museums should be doing. But do we really want to stand aside from society, divorced from the everyday reality that visitors and the public face?
I hope Museums Change Lives will be seized upon by the sector and used as a working document to focus on what museums can do to boost their impact.
Not everything has to cost money; thinking creatively about partnerships and seeking out other organisations and individuals that have the appropriate skills and links will be a step in the right direction.
Training and sharing practice in this area will also help, including at this year’s Museums Association conference, where it will be debated.
But I hope that funders and policy makers also take note. Funding streams that reward this type of work would be ideal, especially in these straitened times, and could even help museums to change lives.
Sharon Heal, editor, Museums Journal
sharon@museumsassociation.org
www.twitter.com/sharonheal
www.museumsassociation.org/conference