Migration Museum’s Post

Museums* don't totally need your money, and that's a problem. Museums don't depend solely on earned revenue (aka ticket sales) to pay the bills, which means it's not always easy for museums to know who they serve and which functions to prioritize.  For example, for a typical art museum 34% is earned revenue the rest is a mix of endowments, philanthropy and government support. A museum like MoMA has $2B+ in net assets so even at a 7% return they have $140M to play with. This business model isn't bad per se - and it's not Blockbuster :) It does mean that knowing who a museum's primary customers is and what to focus on, is often not so clear cut. Is it the visitor?  Is it the mega-donor? Is it education or public engagement or is it scholarship and stewardship? The model works best when these audiences' interests are aligned, but this is not always the case. Thoughts and feedback are welcome. *museums is a VERY broad term, this doesn't apply to science centers or a variety of other museums. Another worthy topic of conversation #museums #museum #experiencedesign

Creating a successful museum exhibition is a collaborative effort that requires input from multiple departments. Here’s a look at the key teams that should be involved in every step of the process: Curatorial Team: The heart of the exhibition, responsible for selecting objects, developing the narrative, and ensuring historical accuracy. Exhibition Design: Focuses on layout, lighting, and visual storytelling to make the content engaging and accessible. Conservation: Ensures that all objects are properly cared for, displayed, and protected from damage during the exhibition. Education & Public Programs: Develops educational materials, guided tours, and interactive programs to enrich the visitor experience. Marketing & Communications: Promotes the exhibition to reach a wide audience through media, social platforms, and community outreach. Visitor Services: Provides feedback on visitor flow, accessibility, and overall experience, ensuring the exhibit is user-friendly. Development/Fundraising: Secures sponsorships and funding to support the exhibition's creation and promotion. By working together, these departments ensure that every exhibition is well-rounded, engaging, and successful. #MuseumExhibitions #Teamwork #CulturalHeritage #CuratorialExcellence #MuseumMarketing #eminspost #eminmuseum #talktothemuseum

We’ve just awarded £1 million in funding to support local museums and galleries across the country through the latest round of our Reimagine programme. Our Museum Directors Survey 2024 revealed that financial strain on civic museums has worsened following a decade of austerity, the pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with two thirds of museum directors concerned about funding shortfalls, a rise from half in 2022. This round of Reimagine therefore prioritised museums relying on local authority support. Since 2020, Reimagine has evolved to address urgent sector needs, like rebuilding audiences, caring for collections and diversifying workforces. The projects we’ve funded this year include sensory exhibitions for disabled and neurodivergent adults at MK Gallery; behind-the-scenes tours for rurally isolated groups at Fermanagh County Museum; Manchester Art Gallery loaning artworks to local schools to improve visual literacy amongst children; and creative workshops for men accessing mental health support services at Hartlepool Art Gallery. Read about the projects we’ve funded: https://bit.ly/4f4wMuh

What makes me truly sad is that the benefits of what we as heritage professionals in well funded and supported museums can really do for community, society, tourism in promoting our own regional histories/culture really doesn’t seem to be valued as much as it should be anymore - we have our part to play in that by remaining silent in the face of fighting our corner when pitched against elements such as heavily underfunded core services - who can blame us… Many sites/service gone or cut to the bone… We are one of the lowest paid highly skilled sectors - flexible, adaptable and skilled in what we do and yet we are always being asked to do more for less or seen as replaceable by volunteers. Don’t get me wrong there is absolutely room for and the need for volunteers but only with support and direction from paid skilled staff else who knows of the collections horrors that can occur…. Most of the behind the scenes work has long been off set in favour of keeping the doors open and the public facing element but they must go hand in hand with the collections team who busily work behind the scenes (but not out of public engagement) who are the keys that unlock the collection making it possible to get the best out of museum collections and the often priceless information they represent whilst making them safe and easy to use/find FOR ALL… Many have already left or been ejected from the sector and with that and the failure of succession planning has meant several steps backwards in knowledge and the cost and loss of that knowledge is yet to really have been measured… It seems today we say goodbye to the Winding House Caerphilly opened in my lifetime as an initiative to represent the history and people of Caerphilly. Here’s hoping it manages to get the community asset transfer and continues in some form rather than be lost forever…. A sign of the time… but a truly necessary one?

Funded by Creative Europe, this groundbreaking project takes a giant leap toward the realization of the Experimenta Paisagem Museum—a unique concept of an open-air museum without walls. Landscape Together is not just an art project; it's a celebration of creativity seamlessly blending with the natural beauty of our surroundings. Imagine art installations in harmony with the landscape, creating an immersive experience for everyone. This project is a cornerstone of Experimenta Paisagem, a collaborative platform for territorial development. The ultimate goal? The creation of a museum accessible to all, rooted in democratic principles and the active participation of local communities. Picture an open-air museum where art is not confined by traditional boundaries. The Experimenta Paisagem Museum is designed to be a space for freedom, creativity, and inclusivity—a museum that transcends physical walls and welcomes everyone with open arms. At the heart of this initiative is the belief that art should be accessible to all. By involving local communities in the creative process, we aim to foster a sense of ownership and pride in the shared cultural heritage. Let's shape a museum where creativity knows no bounds, and nature is the canvas! Join us on this incredible journey as we unfold the possibilities of art, nature, and community coming together Photo Credentials: LT Launch_©MAG-Marques_de_Aguiar #LandscapeTogether #ExperimentaPaisagem #ArtMeetsNature #CreativeEurope

A recent report by Art Fund finds that #museum directors in the United Kingdom are concerned about funding shortfalls despite a rise in #visitor numbers following the #Covid pandemic. The research also shows that organisations need a 10-20% increase in #funding just to stabilise. Looking forward to next year, Art Fund identified a number of key challenges including: 🔹 The cost-of-living crisis, which is particularly impacting independent museums and others that charge for entry or rely on secondary spend. 🔹Continuing local authority spending cuts leading to the closure of services. 🔹Building maintenance and building operating costs.

Tennessee Museums: Grant Opportunity for Capital Improvements! The Tennessee State Museum is offering capital improvement grants again this fiscal year to support the vital role museums play in our communities. Last year, over 100 museums received funding for essential projects. What makes this grant program unique? - Focus on infrastructure: Unlike many grants, this program prioritizes building improvements like roof repairs, electrical upgrades, and accessibility features. - Simplified application: Designed to be manageable for museums with limited staff, the application process is streamlined and efficient. - Reduced barriers: Disbursement-based awards eliminate the need for upfront funding, and there's no required fiscal match. Measurable impact: The Robertson County History Museum exemplifies the program's success. Their grant funded window replacements, leading to cost savings on utilities, improved artifact preservation, and a more welcoming environment for visitors. Investing in the future: These grants are an investment in Tennessee's cultural infrastructure. By ensuring museums have the resources for essential maintenance, the program lays the groundwork for future growth and fosters a vibrant space for storytelling and community engagement. Is your museum eligible? Tennessee museums with capital improvement needs are encouraged to apply. Applications are open until August 26, 2024, and there are resources available to assist you through the process. Visit the TN State Museum's website to apply: https://lnkd.in/gV9whxJd Visit Humanities Tennessee's website to learn more about the impact of this funding: https://lnkd.in/gm9XE2tQ #TennesseeMuseums #CapitalImprovementGrants #MuseumFunding #CulturalInvestment #CommunityDevelopment #sharedfutureslabtn

Few days from being installed as new @UKCulture Secretary, LisaNandy , said: “Our world-leading museums are a source of creativity and curiosity that can inspire lifelong passions for learning, history and the arts." referring to the ArtFund Award 2024 won by the Young Victoria and Albert Museum What do you find extraordinary in this fact? So many things that I don't dare count, beforehand... 1. Recognition of the innovativeness of the British museums - no doubt that still many (although not all) of the most innovative reflections and approaches come from the UK, willy-nilly. 2. Museums are recognised as source of creativity and curiosity (!!! - I have strived since 2004 to pass the concept that museums are hubs for new cultures but I am a sort of old Briton undercovered: understatement is my Patronus ;-). 3. Museums can be inspirational - no need to comment this point: we all are dancing on the table. 4. Museums can sustain the life-long-learning improvements of the individuals in learning, arts and history. 5. Museums elicit positive emotions, no not positive emotions.... passion! Well, on the day George Clooney speaks up... what else??? One of the best summary of the ICOM definition. Hoping it won't stay just a statement! https://t.ly/JM_ko #innovation #management #digitalmarketing #creativity #Future #futurism #smims #education #fundraising #museums #fsbac #dicolab #share #culturaaldigitale #musei

The amount of sheer passion put into the preservation of the fashion, design & culture here is astounding.

In light of the US elections, I wanted to share a few ways on how in the UK, politics and government work / influence community museums and galleries through funding, policy, and local government support. 1. Funding     - National Bodies: Organisations like Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund provide essential grants, shaped by government priorities like diversity and social inclusion.   - Local Councils: Local authorities allocate funding but often face budget constraints, which can impact the extent of support for museums. 2. Policy and Community Engagement   - Government policies encourage museums to support education, social cohesion, and mental well-being, often by collaborating with schools and hosting community events.   - Museums may adapt programs to align with broader goals, such as environmental awareness or regional heritage, to secure funding and support. 3. Local Influence and Advocacy     - Political shifts impact funding levels and policy support; councils prioritise resources differently, affecting museum operations.   - Associations like the Museums Association lobby for fair policies and funding, especially to support smaller, independent institutions. 4. Economic Impact   - Museums drive tourism and local economic growth, leading councils to sometimes invest in them as part of economic regeneration efforts. In short, UK government and local councils shape the funding, policies, and community roles of museums, with shifts in political priorities directly influencing museum operations and their ability to serve communities. #art #funding #politics #museums