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“These days, at any gathering of museum workers, the key issues under discussion are always resources (or the lack of them), maximising impact, governance and (sadly) survival.

At a conference in the capital of Wales, all delegates are also bound to be thinking about the implications of the Scottish independence referendum, whichever way the vote goes.

The conference will address these issues and hopefully stimulate new thinking in ways not tried before.

I hope there will also be time for catching up with colleagues not seen for a year and engaging in some friendly gossip.”



“I think the key issues at the Museums Association conference this year will be around the theme of diversification.

Cuts still require us to be creative, as we look for more diverse sources of income, as well as diversifying our audiences to appeal to local communities that haven’t interacted with museums before.

We should also be looking at how we can continue to diversify the ranks of professionals entering the sector.

Great strides have been taken in all these areas, but there is still more to be done.”

“The obvious response from someone who lives and works in Wales is: will this be the best MA conference ever?

The programme is packed with inspiring speakers, practical knowhow, ambitious ideas and plenty of opportunities to network with new and old colleagues from around the UK.

Crucially, the theme, Museums Change Lives, addresses the challenging context in which we are working and will give us the tools and ideas to effectively demonstrate the impact museums have – politically and practically.”


“For me, it’s diversity. Diversity in terms of resilience: sharing ideas for income streams and business models.

Diversity in terms of partnerships: thinking about whom we work with and with whom we should be working, so that we are more than the sum of our parts.

Diversity in terms of audiences: considering the social justice agenda. Looking at what we’re doing and what we else we should do.

Diversity in terms of the workforce: exploring solutions. It’s something I’ve been doing for years. Organisational change – it’s the only way.”