A manifesto for local museums in Wales

Museums in Wales are at the heart of their local communities

We have launched a manifesto for local museums in Wales in the run-up to the Welsh local elections due to take place in May 2022.

The manifesto sets out how local authorities can invest strategically to ensure that Welsh museums are able to help create flourishing communities and play their full part in the recovery from Covid.

It asks local authorities to develop their own culture strategies which focus on building strong core museums services, developing a skilled museum workforce, widening participation and cultural democracy, building digital infrastructure and capacity, and supporting culture-led tourism.

Museums across Wales are supporting community recovery and wellbeing. Local authority investment is vital for supporting this work. The Museums Association is delighted to have worked with the Federation of Museums and Art Galleries in Wales to produce and launch the manifesto which sets out the value of museums to their local communities and the ways in which they can support health, wellbeing, learning and local identity.

Sharon Heal, director, Museums Association

This manifesto was produced by the MA in collaboration with the Federation for Museums and Art Galleries in Wales and with key Welsh stakeholders.

The MA and the Federation are strongly encouraging Welsh museums to use the manifesto in their discussions with local authorities in Wales, and to promote it to local politicians and candidates in advance of the upcoming election.

We are very pleased to launch the Manifesto for Local Museums in Wales which provides an insight into what museums can deliver. Museums in Wales are at the heart of their local communities. By investing in museums local authorities invest in delivering their goals, notably those relating to the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

Museums can support health and wellbeing, inclusion, informal and formal learning, social and econmic benefits and raise awareness of crucial topics such as climate change. They also care for and provide access to the culture and language of Wales and providing a sense of place or “Cynefin” within their communities.

Nêst Thomas, president, Federation of Museums and Art Galleries in Wales