Museums Association

A quick post to say that we're no longer using X. We won't respond to any future posts or direct messages – if you'd like to get in touch, find all our contact details here: ow.ly/hxCu50Y0zjl You can also find us on LinkedIn, Bluesky and Instagram: ow.ly/zVTx50Y0zjj

News | Industrial dispute deepens at National Coal Mining Museum (@NCMME) Workers reject new pay offer as both sides criticise conduct and behaviour during strike Read: ow.ly/w0aj50Y04YF @unisontheunion

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 👇 Get your membership: ow.ly/XxVy50Y00gB Start the AMA: ow.ly/Jh7r50Y00gE

News | @nationaltrust celebrates biggest donation in its history News comes as conservation charity reveals its plans for 2026 Read: ow.ly/cgNw50XZMMg

News | Campaigners fight proposed entrance fees at Museum of Oxford Petition and day of action planned ahead of changes at local authority museum Read: ow.ly/VobO50XZKQR

Just over one week left to make a nomination to join our board this year 🗳️ We're looking for two new board members, one based in each of Northern Ireland and Wales respectively, to shape the direction of the MA ➡️ Find out more about the role: ow.ly/uqv050XZBs5

News | David Bowie’s teenage home to open as immersive experience Project will restore terraced house in south London to original 1960s appearance. Read: ow.ly/nbbr50XY6Bi

News | Museum sector gets funding boost in Scottish budget Further investment for Museum Futures programme and national collections hub. Read: ow.ly/aGMT50XY3Br

News | @NationalGallery scoops award for Van Gogh show – Critics’ Circle presented four awards at its annual event Read: ow.ly/pLVL50XXmvS

Five top tips for advocating for your museum in the run up to the Scottish Parliament election 🗳️ We'll be advocating for museums in the run up to the election, but advocacy is something that everyone in the sector can and should be doing. Our top tips: ow.ly/q5Ky50XXihJ

News | Melanie Keen steps down as director of Wellcome Collection Sam Owen to act as interim director when Keen leaves this spring Read: ow.ly/qfLa50XXgku

News | Cultural objects worth £59m gifted to museums and galleries A total of 32 cases went through Acceptance in Lieu and the Cultural Gifts Scheme last year Read: ow.ly/hOP950XX9ut

🎙️ 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/qxAm50XWNTJ

Welcome to our online members' meeting, where we're launching and exploring the new Code of Ethics ⚖️ Head to our website now to read through, download or print the guidance in English or Welsh 👉 ow.ly/KoOp50XWGCV

One week left to apply for funding from this round of the Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund 📆 If you're using museum collections to improve inclusion and equitable working with community partners, get in touch to discuss your project: ow.ly/3Sio50XWAwk

Make your next career move with confidence 📈 Whether you’re looking for a promotion or want to move into freelancing this year, Moving on Up 2026: Making an Impact With Your Career is our essential event to help you get there. Browse the full programme: ow.ly/9E8950XWfkS

News | Art Fund launches Museum Directors Survey 2026 Charity urges leaders to help shape its new five-year strategy Read: ow.ly/3iz250XWbzK

News | Plymouth and Bristol announce plans to bid for UK City of Culture 2029 Portsmouth, Ipswich and Wrexham are also contenders ahead of February's deadline Read: ow.ly/Jbbj50XWa5N

News | New chief executive appointed at Manchester Jewish Museum (@mcrjewishmuseum) Interim CEO also recruited to cover Gemma Meek's maternity leave Read: ow.ly/217X50XW8YQ

We're also now calling for session proposals – if you've got a bold, innovative idea, we want to hear from you by 23 February: museumsassociation.org/conference-202… #Museums2026

We're delighted to say that bookings for conference are now open! Early birds can catch a great deal with 10% off your ticket price when you book with code 26CONF10 by 31 March: museumsassociation.org/events/confere… #Museums2026

MA Conference 2026: Museums Connecting Communities 🔗 This year’s conference in Birmingham and online celebrates how the sector is finding inventive ways to work with communities through challenging times to create a positive future for all. #Museums2026