AIM helps Heritage and Museum organisations prosper.
Established in 1977, the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) was created to support the needs of the growing independent museum sector. The association is a network for mutual help and support as well as sharing good practice and provide a voice for the independents.
AIM’s work supports independent museums, galleries and heritage organisations across the UK, helping them proposer, ensure policy makers, funders and other oragnisations address their needs and champions for them.
The association helps heritage organisations prosper, demonstrating the relevance and importance of our heritage to everyone so that it is preserved and inspires all our futures.
Independent Museums
Independent museums are a vital role for their communities, contributing to a sense of place and an important part of the tourism economy. They are often long-standing, successful social enterprises. With 1,600 independent museums, this is half of the entire UK Museums sector and the largest type of museum within it.
Two thirds of the independent museums deal with specialist subjects and transport, with military, industrial heritage, galleries and famous persons being the most popular. The final third are more general collections ranging from civic museums to medium size museums in county towns and over 300 small museums concerned with local history.
Who can join AIM?
AIM’s members are a diverse mix from the smallest museums to the largest in the UK. Membership is open to any museum or heritage site – you don’t have to be independently run to join- join now.
Events
The association creates events and webinars for members as well as the annual AIM Conference.