The two main features in this issue of Museums Journal cover very different subjects: how museums are using their gardens (p20) and the refocusing of the Troubles gallery at Ulster Museum in Belfast (p26).
But what unites them is the desire of museums to constantly change and improve what they offer visitors in order to engage people in new and interesting ways. This drive to focus far more strongly on what audiences want and need is reflected across the sector.
In this issue we also have a conversation between two museum professionals from the Whitworth in Manchester and Nottingham Contemporary about what young people want from museums and galleries (p17). Traditionally, 15-25 year-olds have been a tricky audience for the sector, and the conclusion seems to be that there is no silver bullet for attracting this age group beyond honest discussions and flexible and responsive programming.
Engaging young people is also an important issue for Nicholas Serota, the new chair of Arts Council England, who discusses how the sector can nurture greater creativity in children (p14).
The relationships that museums have with their audiences has been pushed into sharper focus following recent political developments, most notably Brexit and the divisions in society that the referendum exposed. These may become even more pronounced as we head towards next month’s general election.
Ultimately, many of these issues come down to identity – how people see themselves in relation to their place locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Museums have a role to help us understand our past and provide glimpses into what our future might hold.
We have chosen audiences as one of three themes for this year’s Museums Association Conference & Exhibition in Manchester (16-18 November).
At a time of division and uncertainty, how do museums build strong and meaningful relationships with their visitors and help them understand complex issues of place, identity and belonging? Audiences are the lifeblood of museums and the better we can understand them and involve them in what we do, the healthier the sector will be.
simon@museumsassociation.org
www.twitter.com/simonastephens
But what unites them is the desire of museums to constantly change and improve what they offer visitors in order to engage people in new and interesting ways. This drive to focus far more strongly on what audiences want and need is reflected across the sector.
In this issue we also have a conversation between two museum professionals from the Whitworth in Manchester and Nottingham Contemporary about what young people want from museums and galleries (p17). Traditionally, 15-25 year-olds have been a tricky audience for the sector, and the conclusion seems to be that there is no silver bullet for attracting this age group beyond honest discussions and flexible and responsive programming.
Engaging young people is also an important issue for Nicholas Serota, the new chair of Arts Council England, who discusses how the sector can nurture greater creativity in children (p14).
The relationships that museums have with their audiences has been pushed into sharper focus following recent political developments, most notably Brexit and the divisions in society that the referendum exposed. These may become even more pronounced as we head towards next month’s general election.
Ultimately, many of these issues come down to identity – how people see themselves in relation to their place locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Museums have a role to help us understand our past and provide glimpses into what our future might hold.
We have chosen audiences as one of three themes for this year’s Museums Association Conference & Exhibition in Manchester (16-18 November).
At a time of division and uncertainty, how do museums build strong and meaningful relationships with their visitors and help them understand complex issues of place, identity and belonging? Audiences are the lifeblood of museums and the better we can understand them and involve them in what we do, the healthier the sector will be.
simon@museumsassociation.org
www.twitter.com/simonastephens
