A manifesto for museums in Northern Ireland

Museums play a vital role in our communities and are well placed to help Covid recovery

We launched our manifesto for museums in Northern Ireland in the run-up to elections in May 2022.

Museums reflect the stories, achievements and ambitions of everyone across Northern Ireland, and make it a better place to live, work and visit.

In addition to their significant social and cultural role, they also directly benefit our economy, particularly through tourism, employment and skills.

Our Museums Change Lives campaign demonstrates clearly how museums contribute towards meeting all of these priorities.

This manifesto clearly demonstrates how museums across Northern Ireland are supporting wellbeing and recovery from the impact of the pandemic. Our museums can support young people to reach their potential; raise awareness about the climate emergency; and are a bedrock for the rebuilding of the tourism and visitor economy. Museums can also encourage and promote reconciliation and meaningful dialogue.

We are calling on the next administration to take practical steps to support museums including the creation of a new museum policy which would enable strategic investment in museum provision across Northern Ireland.

Sharon Heal, director, Museums Association

Our manifesto sets out how museums change lives and benefit the economy in Northern Ireland, looks at what they can do next, and sets out the key issues for the next administration, including creating a new museum policy.