There have been lots of shocking facts and figures associated with Brexit, not least of which was a 42% rise in complaints of hate incidents – more than 3,000 – in the weeks around the EU referendum. Encouragingly, some in the sector are already thinking about how to respond, as shown by our vox pop (p15) asking how museums can ease fears about immigration. Suggestions include putting the issue into its historical context, and encouraging understanding and compassion by telling the stories of today’s migrants.
I was also shocked by the gulf between how the cultural sector viewed the EU and the outcome of the vote. A poll by the Creative Industries Federation before 23 June found that more than 96% of its members backed remain. This might have been comforting until the actual vote, when 52% of voters chose leave (see news analysis, p12).
What are the implications of this disconnect between the views of the cultural sector and the general population? Does it matter? If it does, how can museums address this?
Brexit has certainly created confusion in the sector, with the National Museum Directors’ Council (NMDC) taking until 7 July to issue an official statement, pointing to the uncertainty thrown up by the referendum.
But to be fair to the NMDC and others, with the nature of Brexit being so unclear, many of the impacts are impossible to gauge. The fact that Scotland and Northern Ireland voted remain, while England and Wales opted for leave, has further complicated matters.
With all this uncertainty and upheaval, how should we respond?
Museums in the UK are more internationally connected than ever and it is important to ensure that the positive relationships museum professionals have with counterparts overseas are built on, rather than being allowed to shrink because of Brexit. Museums all over Britain can contribute lots and learn much from those globally. This is reflected in the forthcoming Museums Association Conference in Glasgow (7-9 November), which will be more international than ever. An outward-facing sector that embraces the worldwide museum community is where the future lies.
I was also shocked by the gulf between how the cultural sector viewed the EU and the outcome of the vote. A poll by the Creative Industries Federation before 23 June found that more than 96% of its members backed remain. This might have been comforting until the actual vote, when 52% of voters chose leave (see news analysis, p12).
What are the implications of this disconnect between the views of the cultural sector and the general population? Does it matter? If it does, how can museums address this?
Brexit has certainly created confusion in the sector, with the National Museum Directors’ Council (NMDC) taking until 7 July to issue an official statement, pointing to the uncertainty thrown up by the referendum.
But to be fair to the NMDC and others, with the nature of Brexit being so unclear, many of the impacts are impossible to gauge. The fact that Scotland and Northern Ireland voted remain, while England and Wales opted for leave, has further complicated matters.
With all this uncertainty and upheaval, how should we respond?
Museums in the UK are more internationally connected than ever and it is important to ensure that the positive relationships museum professionals have with counterparts overseas are built on, rather than being allowed to shrink because of Brexit. Museums all over Britain can contribute lots and learn much from those globally. This is reflected in the forthcoming Museums Association Conference in Glasgow (7-9 November), which will be more international than ever. An outward-facing sector that embraces the worldwide museum community is where the future lies.
