Welcome to your July Newsletter!
|
|
|
|
Following on from the success of the spring and summer Growing Together peer networking events, our Champions have put together a programme of new peer networking events happening between September 20205 and January 2026. Drawing on the Champions’ interests and lived experience, these peer networking events cover many facets of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in museums.
The Growing Together peer networking events are now on our website and you can book to take part.
|
|
|
|
From Working with The Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Boating Communities to barriers to employment, the sessions cover a wide range of subjects. Further information on the sessions and more sessions will be released later in the year - keep an eye out for the next Growing Together Peer Networking Special Newsletter for all the details. Information on how to book on these sessions will follow shortly, but to express interest now, please email clare.ferdinando@bristol.gov.uk. |
|
|
In June, we were delighted to announce the award holders of our VE/VJ Day 80 grants scheme. We have now published a blog on behalf of Museum Development England highlighting some of the projects from each of the Museum Development England areas. This month we’re sharing more fantastic grants news: the recipients of our Small Open Grants, the first round of our Capacity Builder grant scheme, and our newly updated On Display! grant scheme, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Over the course of spring and early summer, a total of 43 grants have been awarded across these schemes, helping museums across the South West to engage with their audiences, develop their collections and upskill their teams. Congratulations to all successful museums! You can find out exactly who has been awarded which grant in the latest blog on our website. Applications for round two of the Capacity Builder grant scheme will open in September, so stay tuned and look out for full details in our September newsletter. |
|
|
|
Focus on... Hampshire & Isle of Wight
|
|
|
2025 marks 250 years since Jane Austen's birth and museums across Hampshire have been working to celebrate her legacy. Hampshire Cultural Trust is bringing fresh perspectives to the life and legacy of one of Hampshire’s most celebrated writers. Funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the Hunters and Gatherers Project, Beyond the Bonnets will run at The Gallery, Winchester from 26 July. This exhibition shifts the lens to the working women—nursemaids, tradeswomen, teachers, and domestic servants—who populate her novels. As part of the wider programme, Hampshire Cultural Trust is also presenting a tour of Jane Austen’s pelisse coat across its venues. Winchester’s historic Great Hall will host a rolling programme of events celebrating Austen’s enduring appeal. Meanwhile, City Museum will feature refreshed interpretation focused on Austen’s time in Winchester. Take some time to explore the other incredible and inspiring programming of special events, theatre performances, exhibitions and even a statue unveiling across museums in Hampshire. A visit to Jane Austen's House is a must and Chawton House has a programme of events throughout the summer. Read the full blog on our website. |
|
|
|
Arts Council England sent out the latest Phase 5 accreditation return invites at the end of June. We will be running a Ready to Return training session for museums in the autumn, further information will be available in our September newsletter.
In the mean time, please join us in congratulating the following museums for achieving Accreditation:
|
|
|
Moving the Dial - Collections Trust Conference 2025Early bird tickets are now available for Collections Trust conference 2025! This year's conference will be held online on Thursday 2 October. An individual ticket costs just £32.50 and a team ticket for three or more people is only £74. They are also offering 100 free inclusive places to individuals who are currently unwaged or underrepresented in the museum workforce. Keep informed of the latest sector developments, learn practical tips, immerse yourself in engaging panel discussions, and network with peers at the Collections Trust conference. Book your early bird ticket before they sell out.
|
|
|
Save the date: Discover Creative CareersThis November, Discover Creative Careers is back and bigger than ever!
Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, this year’s month-long event is a chance to give thousands of 11–18 year olds an insight to careers in the creative industries.
Join hundreds of employers in hosting activities that showcase the roles, skills, and pathways that power the sector. Register your interest today.
|
|
|
Q&A on Project Grants and Developing Your Creative Practice Michelle Dickson, Director, Strategy at Arts Council England and Eddie De Souza, Director Investment Operations and Resources at Arts Council England, answer questions about two of their flagship National Lottery funded programmes: National Lottery Project Grants and Developing Your Creative Practice in a new blog. They talk about the purpose of these funds, how Arts Council England are planning to consult artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries about changes they are planning for the funds, why they're doing this work, and what to expect next.
|
|
|
Art Fund Teacher FellowshipsThrough fully funded secondments, the Teacher Fellowships programme will give secondary school teachers the opportunity to work part-time within a museum with a Clore Learning Space, supporting the museum to develop their learning offer. Art Fund are seeking host museums that are passionate about developing their learning offer and increasing their engagement with schools. They will offer two grants of up to £61,750 to museums who wish to take part in the programme over the following 2026/27 academic year. The deadline to apply is Friday 12 September. | | |
Reimagine GrantsThe Art Fund Reimagine programme supports organisations to develop or refresh their work and provides grants of up to £50,000. This year, Art Fund are prioritising collections and will fund projects that are growing audiences, increasing capacity and expertise in collections work, and encouraging partnerships in the sector. Apply online by Tuesday 12 August. | | |
If you think a colleague or friend would like to keep up to date
with Museum Development South West, please forward this email or encourage them to join our newsletter by clicking below: | | |
Photo credits (in order as they appear):
- Museum Development South West (MDSW)
- MDSW
- Hampshire Cultural Trust
- Museum Accreditation
- Collections Trust
Museum Development South West content: | | | | |
