Kids in Museums has launched a new initiative aimed at having young people discuss, learn and advocate for the future of the museum sector

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 30 Jan 2023

The summit was created in response to research that found that only 12% of young people aged 16-24 felt that London museums told stories that were relevant to them Credit: George Archer/Kids in Museums
A new initiative called ‘The Future is Now’, will invite young people aged 16 - 25 to ‘discuss, learn, and advocate’ for the future of the museum industry.
Created by charitable initiative Kids in Museums (KIM) the event is a response to research from Morris Hargreaves McIntyre and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), that found that only 12% of 16-24 year olds felt that museums in London, UK, told stories that were relevant to them.
Taking place on May 12 at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum in Birmingham, UK, the event will be led by the KIM Youth Panel. It will include talks and panel discussions covering topics including how museums can work with young people and the future of work in the sector, as well as crafting sessions and refreshment breaks.
“There is a huge need to consult young people about what they want from museums in order to change perceptions,” said the organisation.
“We will feedback the results of their discussions to the sector, forming the core of our advocacy for young people in museums.
“We want to create a space where young people can discuss, learn, advocate and build new networks with their peers. Their voices will be heard on a national level and generate fresh new ideas for the heritage sector.”
The event is made possible by an £11,000 (US$13,600, €12,500) Movement for Good Award from Benefact Group, with KIM chosen by a panel of judges to receive a share of £500,000 (US$620,000, €568,000) as part of a wider scheme that will see the group donate £1m (US$1.24m, €1.14m) to worthy causes throughout 2023.
In the run-up to the summit, the KIM Youth Panel will be releasing its own podcast. Called ‘Life at the Museum’, the podcast will feature a series of future-focused conversations with members aiming to ‘bridge the gap between young people and old institutions’. The first episode is set to drop in March, with tickets becoming available to book around the same time.
Museums and galleries
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