Opinion

We must fight to preserve arts education

Do the arts need a political party all of their own? At the end of last year, artist Bob and Roberta Smith threw the first Art Party conference in Scarborough, a riotous parody of the party political conference, complete with marches, speeches and banners. And right at the top of the agenda was the erosion …

Uncomment: February 2014

Gordon Watson discusses the importance of partnerships

The conversation

Are short-term contracts bad for the sector?

The policy column: February 2014

Now's your chance to have a say on ACE

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Editorial: February 2014

Networking is scary but it's an invaluable skill

Why you should listen to junior staff

It may not be fair to say that the junior staff in museums have all the answers, but they are a voice worth heeding. As the Ministry of Curiosity, we aim to provide a behind-the-scenes peek into the museum world through the eyes of its emerging professionals. Often fresh from university and on short-term contracts, …

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Political world

Jeremy Deller at the William Morris Gallery

Voxpop: What does 2014 hold for museums?

Victoria Rogers, museum manager, Cardiff Story Museum “There is no doubt that 2014 is going to be tough for museums, and will challenge us all to find new ways of delivering to remain at the heart of our communities. The beginning of the commemorations of the first world war will provide opportunities for virtually all …

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Editorial: January 2014

Museums can do only so much for themselves

The conversation: January 2014

Should cultural funding be distributed on a more equitable basis?

The policy column: January 2014

Change lives, save the planet

Freelancers are a key part of workforce

If you’re self-employed in the museum and heritage sector, you’re part of a thriving community, according to a survey I ran in preparation for a session at the Museums Association conference in November. The results gave a snapshot of a group of professionals pursuing diverse and successful careers outside institutions, from community consultation to strategy …