Museum summit aims to engage young people

A new initiative hopes to engage young people in debating the future of the museums sector in the UK.

Organised by Kids in Museums (KIM), ‘The Future is Now’ symposium will take place at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum on 12 May.

The event, which is aimed at 16-to 25-year-olds, comes on the back of DCMS research that found only 12% of that age group believe London museums are telling stories that are relevant to them.

“There is a huge need to consult young people about what they want from museums in order to change perceptions,” a spokesperson for KIM said.

On the day there will be talks and panel discussions on a range of topics.

“We want to create a space where young people can discuss, learn, advocate and build new networks with their peers," the spokesperson added.

“Their voices will be heard on a national level and generate fresh new ideas for the heritage sector.

Booking for the event, which is being funded by an £11,000 grant from Movement for Good Award from Benefact Group, opens in March.

Submissions are currently being invited from young people under 25 who would like to speak at the event.