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  • Last updated: April 25th 2024
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19 heritage organisations become Museum Transformers

A close-up of a denim jacket covered in colourful badges and appliques.

MGS is delighted that 19 heritage organisations from across Scotland will join them on the Museum Transformers programme. There has been a high level of demand for this 2-year programme that is part of Delivering Change, a collective effort between MGS and partnering museums, galleries, and community groups to restructure as organisations based on anti-oppressive principles. It has been developed by MGS and an Expert Advisory Group and is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, and the Scottish Government. 

The Museum Transformers programme aims to empower the museum workforce to make changes to help all people to access culture. It is designed to take an organisation-wide approach and will include trustees, staff, and volunteers in recognition that transforming an organisation takes everybody. As part of the programme organisations will deepen community impact through authentic relationships and diversify their audiences, partners and workforce. The participating museums and galleries will build on their previous diversity, equity, and inclusion work. 

Delivering Change also includes two other programmes. Museum Activists is a programme for staff and volunteers in Scottish museums which offers training and support to help all people to access culture. The next cohort is available to sign up to at the start of May 2024. Community Catalysts is open to community groups and grassroots organisations to access funding, support, and heritage partnerships, to help make museums work better for their communities. 

Sheila Asante, Delivering Change Programme Manager, Museums Galleries Scotland said: 

“We’re thrilled to have 19 museums and galleries become Museum Transformers. These organisations are already undertaking anti-oppression work to improve access to culture and this programme will support them to fully embed it across their organisation. As part of the programme they’ll form a changemaking cohort that will share their learnings with the museum sector.” 

Rhona Corbett, Head of Heritage and Culture, Culture Perth and Kinross said: 

“We are really pleased to be participating in the Museum Transformers programme. As with many museum services, the collection here in Perth was partially shaped by empire and the colonial exploitation of people and resources. The team is striving to not just acknowledge this injustice, but to ensure that the voices of those who continue to be silenced or ignored are represented and heard. We recognise the enormous cultural shift that it will take to achieve this and believe that the starting point is with the people who work or volunteer here. Participating in this programme will provide us with the opportunity to undertake this work in a focused, supported and safe way, with input from voices that are not our own giving us the confidence to move forward in the right direction.” 

Sam Harrison, Fundraising Officer, Timespan said: 

“We are excited to embark on this journey of learning, unlearning, and collective action. With the support of MGS and the Delivering Change team, we look forward to creating a lasting legacy of inclusivity and empowerment within Timespan and beyond.” 

The Museum Transformers are: