MUSEUM SECTOR SURVEY 2020

As part of the engagement phase of the project, the research team have been actively gathering information about museums, their challenges, opportunities and futures. In this phase, we wanted to develop our in-depth understanding of the challenges facing the sector, and study potential examples and best practices. 

As a result of the lockdown brought on by COVID-19, we were no longer able to hold workshops and conferences. As a result, we launched an online survey. The purpose of the survey was to understand the challenges museums face and how they collaborate with universities. The survey was aimed at those working within the museums and heritage sector. The project team also conducted nine focus group interviews involving around 30 museum professionals and consultants from a wide range of stakeholders, organisations and institutions that operate across the museums and heritage sectors. Each interview consisted of a representative from a local, national and international organisation. The interviews covered core themes to uncover challenges within the sector. These themes included: the role of a museum, partnerships, challenges, the future, university collaborations, and solutions. This report will evaluate and analyse their findings. It will also present some initial conclusions supported by this material. 

This is an edited volume produced by the Arts and Humanities Research Council's Leadership Fellow on Design, putting together all Design-led research grants funded by the Council, which were all exhibited in London Design Fair 2018. Professor Abdelmonem's Project, Virtual Reality of Medieval Culture has featured as the first chapter into the volume.