Engagement

Birmingham Museums Trust (BMT) has launched a Citizens' Jury that will see up to 30 randomly-selected local residents advise its executive team and board on future decisions.

Birmingham residents will receive invitations by post this week asking if they want to participate in the project. 

Those selected after a two-stage lottery will take part in approximately 30 hours of deliberations over six sessions in November, during which time they will discuss the future of Birmingham's museums and hear from expert commentators.

The Citizens' Jury will respond to the question: "What does Birmingham need and want from its museums, now and in the future, and what should Birmingham Museums Trust do to make these things happen?"

Following their deliberation, the jury will produce a set of recommendations for BMT's board and executive, who in turn have committed to respond to all proposals.

Social enterprise Shared Future will run the process, with support from DemocracyNext and an oversight panel to ensure best practice.

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, Co-CEOs of Birmingham Museums Trust, said the jury's recommendations will have a "direct impact" on their future work.

"We're excited to pioneer this innovative approach in the UK museum sector. By inviting citizens to help shape the future of their museums, we're ensuring that our transformation truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our citizens, communities and the city."

BMT joins a growing number of cultural organisations, including the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry and Norwich Theatre, that are increasingly embracing co-creation leadership models involving input from across their communities, audiences and artists.

Museums Galleries Scotland has awarded grants worth £420,000 to nine projects via the Museum Development Fund. 

The projects include North Lanarkshire’s Museums & Collections, which will collaborate with local communities impacted by the legacies of slavery and empire to create more inclusive heritage spaces and develop collections knowledge. 

Meanwhile, Historylinks Museum in Dornoch will launch a People’s Gallery to tell the stories of ordinary people who have contributed to the history and heritage of the town. It will be co-curated by the community and include participation from schools and local clubs.

Elsewhere, Museum nan Eilean will support the international interest in the heritage of the Outer Hebrides and increase the sustainability of the Museum Service through holding an Emigration Conference. 

Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland said: “We’re delighted to fund nine varied projects from museums across Scotland. 

"These projects represent the work the sector is undertaking in remaining responsive to the needs of their community, better representing stories from people in Scotland and across the world, and contributing to a sustainable tourist experience.”

The Jewish Museum London has received more than £200,000 to work in the community ahead of a move to a new building.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund will provide £231,000 for the "Jewish Museum London on the Move" project which involves the development of learning and collections programmes around the UK to new and existing audiences after it left its premises in Camden in June this year.

Learning programmes will be adapted for outreach in London schools, along with virtual programming and broadcasts about Jewish festivals. In person schools workshops will begin again in partner venues from spring 2024 and plans are in place to develop the schools offer for 2025. 

Meanwhile, community and heritage partnerships will host family days around London and reminiscence sessions with the museum's collections will take place in Jewish care homes.

Chair of Trustees, Nick Viner said: “The trustees of Jewish Museum London are very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for this investment which will enable our ongoing transition towards a future museum. 

"We’re delighted that our objects can already be seen around the country, and this support will enable us to expand further our programme of loans and displays, alongside our education work. Jewish Museum London exists to celebrate the UK’s diverse Jewish community and heritage. Now more than ever we need to foster understanding between all cultures.”

The museum, which receives £224,000 a year from Arts Council England as part of the National Portfolio for 2023-26, hopes to reopen in a larger new home within the next five years.

Manchester City Council is calling on residents and cultural organisations to have their say on a new decade-long plan for culture.  

The local authority has said it is keen to understand what types of creativity residents are interested in. It is seeking "ideas big and small" across everything from art, performance, galleries and museums to more hands-on art and craft opportunities.

The current 10-year strategy runs until 2026. The consultation on the new strategy will be open until 30 November 2023.

Luthfur Rahman, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester has a global reputation for arts and culture, bolstered in no small part by the opening of Aviva Studios recently. 

"We are renowned for our nightlife, music and museums and we want to make sure that culture is an integral part of our communities over the next 10 years.  

“This conversation involves everyone – your ideas could be big, they might be small. But they will all help guide culture in our city."