Sara Wajid, joint-CEO of Birmingham Museums Trust, is a dynamic force for change in the sector and was awarded an MBE for her services to culture and diversity.
A creative, inspirational leader, Sara has said she has made it her “life mission to make museums multicultural”. Notably, she co-founded Museum Detox, an influential network for fellow museum workers from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
“We connect people working throughout the country who can feel isolated,” she has said. “Members can feel disheartened that there are so few BAME people in the sector. People are empowered within the network.”
Until her appointment at Birmingham Museums Trust (as joint CEO with Zak Mensah) Sara was Head of Engagement at Museum of London. She was working to involve people from the borough in the relocation of the museum from Moorgate into an empty building in West Smithfield by Farringdon station. Set to open in 2024, plans were recently approved for the £300m new site.
Sara was responsible for engaging Londoners in the project. “We are the people’s history and our collection reflects the full diverse spectrum of London,” she said.
Sara is a trustee of the Pitt Rivers Museum, a graduate of the Clore Leadership short course and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Before working in museums she was a cultural commentator and journalist.