iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 02/10/2026

One month until we land in Birmingham for MA Conference 2026 📅 On our first day in town, we'll be exploring some of the city's top cultural destinations through a range of tours open to everyone joining us in person for this year's conference.

Exterior of the Chamberlain Clocktower, Birmingham

A person explains something to visitors at the Coffin Works

Interior shot of the Moseley Road Baths, a historic swimming pool undergoing restoration

External shot of red-brick houses with floral window boxes in the Jewellery Quarter

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 28/09/2026

The Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund is now open for 2027 💸 The fund, run by us at the MA, supports work by museums and community organisations to strengthen communities, using collections. The next deadline for expressions of interest is 20 January 2027.

Apply now to the Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 15/09/2026

Tomorrow | Money Talks: Income Generation for Museums 🪙 It’s never been more crucial for museums to develop sustainable commercial models – and we’ll be breaking down how to get it done through panels, case studies and discussion. Join us online for as little as £37: ow.ly/AXms50ZMBFT

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 03/09/2026

Meet the new members of the Ethics Committee 👥 The aim of our Ethics Committee is to create a culture in UK museums that embraces ethical practice. We’re pleased to introduce two new members of the committee, Aileen Strachan and Kyle Lewis Jordan. Meet Aileen and Kyle: ow.ly/Y8WZ50ZIS5A

Aileen Strachan stands and smiles while wearing a striped cardigan

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 27/08/2026

MA Conference 2026: Museums Connecting Communities 🤝 The museum event of the year is coming on 2-4 November – make sure you don't miss out. Tickets are on sale now to join us in Birmingham or online from just £60: www.museumsassociation.org/events/confe...

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 27/08/2026

125 years of incredible stories and cutting-edge reporting 📰 This weekend, get 25% off your new individual, institutional, commercial or freelance and consultant Museums Association membership as part of our celebrations for 125 years of Museums Journal.

Museums Journal title page from 1901-1902. Text reads: 25% off memberships for 125 years of Museums Journal.

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 04/08/2026

We’re pleased to announce the grantees of the most recent round of the @esmeefairbairn.bsky.social Communities and Collections Fund 🙌 The fund supports projects using museum collections to improve inclusion and equitable working with community partners. Scroll to meet the awardees 🧵 1/3

Two people stand outside National Museum Cardiff during a stop on a walking tour of Cardiff with The Wallich. Text reads: Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund. June 2026 grantees.

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 16/07/2026

Important ⚠️ MA staff are currently unable to receive your emails. Please bear with us while we resolve the issue – we’re working on it now and we’ll update you as soon as we can.

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 15/07/2026

Museums are changing lives in Scotland 📍 Museums have a powerful impact on their communities. They increase our sense of wellbeing, help us feel proud of where we come from, and inspire, challenge and stimulate us. These new case studies share how museums across Scotland are creating change.

People stand looking upwards as they hold a large Pride flag at Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums. Text reads: Museums changing lives in Scotland. Read the new case studies

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 03/07/2026

Our Conference 2026 programme is out now 🙌 Provocations, conversations... perhaps some libations? This year's conference in Birmingham and online is set to be unmissable. Browse the programme now for tours, workshops, keynotes, parties and much, much more.

A woman sits and smiles in a conference audience. Text reads: Conference programme available now

A woman speaks into a mic. Text reads: Keynotes. Parties. Workshops. Breakouts. Dialogue. Tours. Networking. Provocations. Colleagues. Peers. Connections. Conference.

Text reads: Conference 2026: Museums Connecting Communities. 2-4 November 2026. Birmingham and online

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 17/06/2026

Read the new Empowering Collections report now 📥 Back in 2019 we published Empowering Collections, a report which made recommendations calling for museums, funders and policy-makers to work together to ensure that museum collections are empowering, relevant and dynamic.

A person stands with a raised fist in front of a mural about postal workers in the Caribbean, part of a Postal Museum project. Text reads: Empowering Collections. Read the updated report

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 15/06/2026

Two weeks left to enter this year's Museums Change Lives Awards ⏰ We want to celebrate the work you and your museum are doing to lift up your community – but we can't do it without your nominations. Enter by Monday 29 June so we can give you the recognition you deserve: ow.ly/37Qo50ZbP7f

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 12/06/2026

Don’t forget that you can get 15% off your new MA membership until Sunday evening! We’re celebrating Freelancers’ Week with a membership discount – our little “thank you” to the fabulous freelancers and consultants working in and with museums. Grab the deal this weekend: ow.ly/BKxc50Zbcay

People socialise at an event. Text reads: Freelancers' Week 2026. 15% off your new MA membership with code FW2615

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 04/06/2026

Thinking about bringing the whole team to Birmingham for Conference 2026? 👥 Institutional members of the MA, grab a discount when you book multiple in-person tickets: 20% off for 10 or more delegates ✅ 30% off for 15 or more delegates ☑️ Interested? Just email events@museumsassociation.org.

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 03/06/2026

Two weeks until we launch the updated Empowering Collections report in Edinburgh ⏰ The packed programme of panels, demonstrations and practical talks will introduce our work in this area and support you to put the report into practice in your museum. Book now from £84: ow.ly/PSFf50Z52XU

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 02/06/2026

Visitor Voices: Understanding Your Audiences 🎤 At this essential one-day conference, we'll bring together audience insight and experts in visitor studies to break down exactly what the ever-changing visitor behaviour landscape means for your museum. Book from £37: ow.ly/Gx4A50Z4S9u

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 27/05/2026

A quick note from our friends at the Ceramics Research Centre and the Future Ecologies of Clay project: travel bursaries and free entry are available for any museum professionals who'd like to attend their forthcoming conference on 24-26 June. For more details, email ceramics@westminster.ac.uk.

Travel bursaries available for museum professionals to attend Permanence/Impermanence: Collecting and archiving contemporary clay practices conference, 24-26 June in London. For more details email: ceramics@westminster.ac.uk

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 22/05/2026

Join us for the launch of our updated Empowering Collections report ✅ In 2019 we published Empowering Collections, which called for the sector to work together to ensure that museum collections are empowering, relevant and dynamic. Much has happened since the publication of this report.

People wearing headphones take notes while looking at glass display cases in a museum space. Text reads: Future of Museums: Empowering Collections. 17 June 2026. National Museum of Scotland

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 19/05/2026

Don't forget to book your ticket to join us at our accessibility event tomorrow 🎟️ From workforce and communities to buildings and collections, our packed All Inclusive programme will explore what an anti-ableist museum sector might look like. Book your ticket from £37: ow.ly/tL8E50Z1Hnt

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 19/05/2026

If you're joining us this year, you'll have the opportunity to see Thinktank's suspended Spitfire bomber, the breadth of the newly-refurbished Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the entrancing Helios installation at The Exchange, University of Birmingham.

WW2 Spitfire suspended from the ceiling. Text reads: Opening reception. Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Foyer area with mezzanine level, including glass display cases and pink neon 'Made in Birmingham' sign. Text reads: Main party. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

A floating sun, the Helios art installation. Crowds look upwards from below. Text reads: Closing party. The Exchange, University of Birmingham

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 19/05/2026

MA Conference 2026 after dark: revealing our party venues 🌃 What happens at conference when the sun goes down? Well, we'll gather at some of Birmingham's top cultural sites to mingle, unwind and explore ✨

Pink neon sign 'Made in Birmingham' under a skylight. Text reads: The social network. Evening eventes at Conference 2026

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 18/05/2026

The theme of this year's #InternationalMuseumDay is Museums Uniting a Divided World. We're focusing on how museums can act as bridges across cultural, social and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion and peace 🕊️ @icomuk.bsky.social #IMD2026

International Museum Day poster by ICOM, the International Council of Museums. The poster shows a constellation of stars in the sky, symbolising making connections across divides. The caption reads: Museums Uniting a Divided World

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 06/05/2026

Two weeks to go until All Inclusive: Championing Accessible Museums 🤝 All Inclusive is our annual online conference exploring how museums can become anti-ableist in everything that they do. Join us to hear provocations, case studies and panel discussions: ow.ly/VCM550YRMFx

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 05/05/2026

Empowering Collections 2026 report to launch at event in Edinburgh 📍 Much has happened since the publication of our 2019 Empowering Collections report – join us for the launch of the update, reflecting on how the world has moved on and where there's work still to be done: ow.ly/2qM450YRLlC

People take notes on clipboards while looking at glass display cases. Text reads: Future of Museums: Empowering Collections. 17 June 2026, National Museum of Scotland

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 22/04/2026

Our view today 📸 Thanks to everyone who’s joined us at the Barbican Centre today for Museum Tech 2026! It’s always a pleasure to have you with us for thought-provoking talks and discussion — and what a beautiful day for it. Any tech/digital hot takes you’d like to share before we wrap up? 👀

The outside space at the Barbican Centre as seen from a high floor, showing gardens, pools, seating area and the opposite building

Tall buildings against blue sky at the Barbican Centre, with gardens, pools and seating in the foreground

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 20/04/2026

Calling all MA members in the south west of England 📍 Your reps Julie TK and Jo are delighted to invite you to a meet-up at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum on 11 May – a great opportunity to meet your regional reps and get to know MA members in your area. RSVP: ow.ly/yEmt50YMBLe

Exterior of Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth, with large windows and pointed turrets

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 20/04/2026

Last chance to book | Do digital with us at Museum Tech 2026 🔌 At our popular annual museum technology event, we'll be talking about audiences, engagement, systems, procurement, AI, collections, social media, interactives and much more. Join us on Wednesday from £84: ow.ly/lKtO50YMA5P

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 14/04/2026

The Museums Change Lives Awards 2026 are officially open for nominations 🏆 In an increasingly polarised world, which museums are cutting through the noise to deliver social impact and show up for their communities? Scroll 👇

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 01/04/2026

Salary Research and Recommendations: 2025-26 update 💰 In November 2022 we published our Salary Research and Recommendations and encouraged employers, staff and funders to use the findings in this report as an advocacy tool to highlight the serious issues around low pay in the museum sector. 1/3

Three people gather to look at pictures and collection items on a table. Text reads: Salary Research and Recommendations: 2025-26

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 23/03/2026

Members Survey 2025/26 📊 Our latest Members Survey shows that the financial pressures on museums of all types and sizes have remained high over the past year. As local and parliamentary elections approach, we will use this data to call for increased and sustained public investment in the sector.

“Reading some of the survey comments is heart-breaking when you see the impact of the cuts and the funding squeeze on institutions and individuals. We know from the survey that museums continue to deliver transformative experiences with their communities and are making a positive impact on health and wellbeing, and learning and engagement.

"But constantly shaving budgets and cutting teams year on year is taking its toll on what museums can offer and how much staff can do. As I travel around the UK meeting dedicated museum workers who are working hand in hand with their communities, I am amazed by their creativity, enthusiasm and fortitude.

“The new funding from governments in England, Scotland and Wales is much welcome and needs to be expanded and embedded in budgets over the coming years. And sustained, strategic long-term public investment is needed to ensure we can retain talent, deliver for and with our communities, and look after and share our collections.”

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 19/03/2026

Don't forget to apply for your free MA membership by 22 March 🗓️ Our Members Support Fund is offering 200 fully-funded inclusive memberships (worth £52 each) to individuals who face barriers due to ethnicity, disability, socio-economic background, gender identity or sexual orientation (LGBTQ+).

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 11/03/2026

One week until we gather at the Barbican for Show Time: Designing Great Exhibitions 🎭 Good exhibition design is an art, and when done right it can create powerful experiences, break down barriers and empower audiences. 1/4

People discuss in a gallery space. Text reads: Show Time: Designing Great Exhibitions. 18 March 2026, Barbican Centre, London

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 09/03/2026

Has your museum run a successful event that you’d like to share with others? 🎟️ Museums Journal is looking for case studies from museums that have programmed great events – these might be talks, lates, family days or workshops. 1/2

Audience sits in an auditorium at MA conference

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 19/02/2026

Last chance to submit a proposal for MA Conference 2026: Museums Connecting Communities 📥 As Europe’s largest museum conference, we explore how museums of all types and sizes are working with their communities and their collections to inspire audiences and change lives. 1/2

A walkway at the Rep, Birmingham. Text reads: Submit your proposal. MA Conference 2026: Museums Connecting Communities

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 18/02/2026

1 month to go | Show Time: Designing Great Exhibitions 🎨 Join us to examine how museums’ changing understanding of their role in broader society is affecting approaches to exhibition design – from sustainability and decolonisation to co-production and community engagement: ow.ly/ufjW50YhHFI

Show Time: Designing Great Exhibitions. 18 March 2026. Barbican Centre, London. Image shows people gathering to discuss in a gallery space

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 17/02/2026

Want to join the MA for free? We recognise the challenges faced by individuals with protected characteristics in the workplace. That’s why our Members Support Fund is offering 200 fully-funded memberships (worth £52 each) as part of our work to make the sector more inclusive. 1/3

A woman smiles while talking to someone at an MA Conference. Text reads: 200 free inclusive memberships available now

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 29/01/2026

Last chance to get 15% off your new membership and 30% off the first year of your AMA 💸 Make the most of our new year offer and grab the deal (including *all* new memberships) by 11.59pm on 31 January 🗓️ Get your membership: ow.ly/BE7o50Y5xKz Start your AMA: ow.ly/Ek6u50Y5xKx

15% off all new memberships and 30% off the first year of your AMA. Happy new year

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 27/01/2026

We're delighted to announce the recipients of the second round of the reimagined Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund 💸 Congratulations to all our awardees – find out more about each of the projects: ow.ly/ovgP50Y4bj9 Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

December 2025 awardees of the Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund. Image shows people looking at a wall of photographs at Vestry House Museum

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 20/01/2026

Don't forget that you can get a discount on both your new MA membership and the first year of your AMA until 31 January ✂️ Make 2026 the year that you level up your professional development with us 👇 Get your membership: ow.ly/Aibp50Y00h3 Start the AMA: ow.ly/Qk7s50Y00h4

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 14/01/2026

🎙️ In the final episode of this season of Radical Museums, Simon Stephens speaks to Nelson Cummins, curator (legacies of slavery and empire) at Glasgow Museums, about the impact of empire on society today and why it's important to address its legacies: ow.ly/K1tw50XWNQX

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 12/01/2026

Kick off the new year and start as you mean to go on ✅ Invest in yourself, your career and your sector today with 15% off all new MA memberships (including individual, commercial, freelance and institutional) and 30% off the first year of your AMA, our flexible professional development award.

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 08/01/2026

Our first one-day conference of 2026: Breaking Barriers 💥 At our event on radical curatorial practice, expect to hear about the skills needed to create dynamic, engaging and exciting exhibitions, and ideas for tackling urgent contemporary concerns. Book from £36 👉 ow.ly/uWOq50XTuGR

Image shows people and abstract sculptures in a gallery space. Text reads: “Breaking Barriers: Radical Curatorial Practice. 28 January 2026, online”

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 08/01/2026

Deadline approaching | We're looking for a global majority evaluator for our Anti-racist Museums Programme and a facilitator for two round-table workshops on wellbeing and ableism in the museum sector 👤 Programme evaluator: ow.ly/Ba4E50XTnil Workshop facilitator: ow.ly/QsMo50XTnim

Standing outdoors, a person draws on an easel

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 06/01/2026

🎙️ “My biggest passion, that started while I was working for the National Trust, is: how do we tell the stories that aren't being told?” For Radical Museums, Sharon Heal speaks to Marian Gwyn on her work to diversify heritage practices throughout her 30-year career: ow.ly/P9cV50XSpOm

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 24/12/2025

That’s a wrap on 2025! 🎁 We’re logging off now for our festive break and we’ll be back at our desks on Monday 5 January 2026. Wishing all our friends and colleagues in the museum sector a merry Christmas and a happy new year 🎉

A lit-up Christmas tree with branches in the foreground

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 19/12/2025

Merry Christmas and 2025 in review 🎄 We’re here for your enquiries until 24 December, but we’d like to take this opportunity to wish a merry Christmas to all our friends in the museum sector. Find out more about what we got up to this year: ow.ly/z7ha50XM9rr

A lit-up Christmas tree and text reading: Season's greetings from the MA

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 18/12/2025

Programme now online for Breaking Barriers: Radical Curatorial Practice 🧪 Join us on 28 January for case studies and panel discussions from the experts behind groundbreaking exhibitions and programmes across the UK 💥 Browse the speakers and sessions – then book from £36 👉 ow.ly/IoXJ50XLmPm

An image of a crowd gathered around a wooden sculpture in a gallery. Text reads: Breaking Barriers: Radical Curatorial Practice. 28 January 2026, online

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 17/12/2025

“I don't see why wanting to make the history in our museums more comprehensive and inclusive is a radical pursuit.” In this episode of Radical Museums, Simon Stephens interviews E-J Scott, who founded the Museum of Transology in 2014: ow.ly/RYYW50XKYNe

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Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 16/12/2025

Our director Sharon Heal has responded to today's publication of the independent review of Arts Council England. Look out for a full analysis on the review and museum sector reaction in Museums Journal Online tomorrow.

We welcome the publication of the independent review of Arts Council England. We have long argued for a meaningful strategy for museums in England, so we particularly support the recommendation to develop a strategic framework and create a specific long-term plan for museums. We would like to see this recommendation taken forward in full engagement with the museum sector and community partners to ensure these plans are relevant and more importantly fully funded.

There will be nervousness about changes to the NPO system and early clarification and reassurance about what this means for museums is needed. Going forward we will work with our members and sector partners to understand the potential impacts of the recommendations, and we look forward to reading the government’s response in the new year.

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