One of the recommendations from the Hodge review of Arts Council England was the creation of a museum strategy for England. The Museums Association warmly welcomes this and is engaging positively in the early conversations about what the policy might contain.
One area of practice that could be incorporated into the strategy is that of public participation in every area of a museum’s life. Increasing numbers of museums are working with citizen’s juries and other deliberative decision-making processes to help shape their futures. These forums can foster conversations that lead to lasting relationships between museums and the public and a strong sense that museums and their collections belong to their communities.
We know that museums can create a sense of place, belonging and cohesion and to do this well we must listen to what our communities are telling us. There is a real opportunity now for a meaningful strategy, with joined-up investment, that can help create a long-term vision for museums as places centred at the heart of their communities.
Our new Museums Change Lives case studies demonstrate that museums across the UK are using their collections to support dialogue, reflection and enjoyment.
Let us know what you want in a new museum strategy for England and help us build a sustainable future for our sector.
Sharon Heal is the director of the Museums Association
