AIM, the Association of Independent Museums, has announced an exclusive series of workshops which will debut online this September. The sessions will be run by renowned authors of AIM’s ‘Setting up a New Museum’ success guide, providing important information that start-ups and individuals should be aware of before forming their own museums.
Participants will find out about museum sector standards and best practices, alongside AIM’s Hallmarks of Prospering Museums, learning about the main ingredients that strengthen the success of any new project.
Run by two industry experts, attendees will discuss all aspects of running a museum, including museum management and governance, collections, purpose, visitor focus, finance and leadership.
The funding opportunities that are available to new museums will also be explored, along with an opportunity to discuss participants’ own museum projects and gain knowledgeable feedback.
Workshop experts
Emma Chaplin is a respected and experienced museum professional, leading the Association of Independent Museums between 2018-2021 and prior to this, developed a successful consultancy business. Chaplin has performed senior management and curatorial roles in a number of independent and local authority museums.
The AIM says: “Her work is characterised by her energy, professionalism and deep knowledge of the museum and heritage sector and its networks. She has relaunched her consultancy business and is currently working with clients on collections management challenges, funding applications and business development work.”
Chaplin is also an Accreditation Scheme Advisor for Museum Development North West, working with the UK region’s museums.
Specialising in the development of museums and heritage sites, Heather Lomas is a cultural heritage consultant who helps organisations manage change, governance, collection management and development, project management and volunteer development.
As an AIM Prospering Boards consultant, Lomas has already presented AIM workshops focused on business planning and how to plan succession for trustees.
She also provides advice as part of the Arts Council Museum Accreditation Scheme for Museums Development in the East Midlands and the North East and is a consultant for the National Lottery Heritage Fund, providing support and advice on organisational development and grant monitoring.
Reserve today
Prospective attendees can now register their interest and secure their place in the online workshops. Both sessions collectively cost £150 for AIM members and £200 for non-members. AIM members are able to apply for an AIM training grant which will cover the cost of attendance at the session. More information on this can be found on the AIM website.
The first workshop will take place on Wednesday 7 September, followed by the second on Wednesday 14 September, both between 4 pm – 6 pm. Workshop places can now be reserved online.
AIM recently held its annual conference at Port Sunlight Village on the Wirral, UK, with speakers including National Museums Liverpool director Laura Pye and the British Film Institute’s executive director of knowledge and collections, Arike Oke.
Photos: Emma Chaplin/Heather Lomas
