Museums seek the views of young people

[YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS THE UK are being invited to a ‘youth summit’ planned by the charity Kids in Museums, and led by its Kids in Museums Youth Panel, to discuss the relationship between museums and young people.

The Future is Now will take place on 12 May at Thinktank, at the Birmingham Science Museum. Research from DCMS and Morris Hargreaves McIntyre showed that only 12% of 16 to 24-year-olds felt London museums told stories that were relevant to them. The results demonstrate a need to consult young people about what they want from museums, in order to change perceptions.

According to the charity: “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 will include discussions of current best practice in work with young people, panel discussions about the future of young people’s work in museums – and of course, plenty of coffee breaks and crafts!”

The event has been made possible by an £11,000 Movement for Good Award from Benefact Group. Kids in Museums was chosen by a panel of judges to receive a share of £500,000 as part of the group’s annual awards, which will see over £1m donated to good causes this year.

In the lead-up to the event, the Kids in Museums Youth Panel will be releasing their own podcast, Life at the Museum . In a series of future-focused conversations its members will aim to bridge the gap between young people and institutions, talking about everything from career tips to climate activism. q