Keith Merrin is the director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM), a large museum service in the North East of England that manages nine museums and galleries and the local archives. He took on this role in April 2021, following over two decades of career experience in the UK’s heritage and arts sectors.
Previous roles include time as director of Bede’s World, a museum and cultural centre dedicated to the life and times of the Venerable Bede, and CEO of Woodhorn Charitable Trust, where he led Woodhorn Museum and its associated sites. He also served as chief executive of the National Glass Centre in Sunderland. In addition, he played a key role in creating Sunderland Culture, an organisation formed to coordinate cultural activities across the city.
As director of TWAM, Keith Merrin oversees several museums and galleries, as well as the archives service. These venues include the Laing Art Gallery, Great North Museum: Hancock, and Discovery Museum. His role focuses on increasing public access to the collections, enhancing community engagement, and fostering educational opportunities. His approach involves using museums and cultural institutions as tools for social change, aiming to reach diverse audiences and promote inclusivity.
He also emphasises sustainability and resilience within the museum sector, looking for ways to ensure cultural services adapt to changing financial and social circumstances.
Merrin is committed to making culture accessible and relevant to the communities in Tyne and Wear. His vision includes using cultural heritage to address contemporary social issues, such as mental health and social inequality. He strongly believes in the power of museums and cultural institutions to contribute to individual well-being and community cohesion.
Merrin’s leadership is characterised by a forward-thinking approach that balances tradition with innovation. This approach ensures that Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums remain vital cultural assets for the region.