Museums Association Conference – October 2025

It was a pleasure to head to Cardiff and attend Museums Association’s annual conference, where the theme was Belonging/Perthyn.

As a leading supplier and print partner to the sector, it was worthwhile to learn which topics and challenges are occupying the minds of museum curators, administrators, managers, leaders and staff.

While the sessions covered quite intense subjects like civic repair, political polarisation, knowledge exchange, reclaiming culture, equitable storytelling, safeguarding collections, improving accessibility, climate change and negotiating fraught social media, there were also optimistic reminders of strategic priorities that benefit all museums and the communities they serve, plus examples of some magnificent work delivered. This was most notable when the Museums Change Lives awards were presented – all very worthy winners!

As a proud MA Commercial Member, it was also reassuring to learn that the association remains financially sound, while representing its members with much dedication, care, guidance and focus – not least by way of the new Code of Ethics.

The conference was hosted by the fantastic Amgueddfa Cymru team, particularly at the stunning outdoor St Fagans National Museum of History and National Museum Cardiff.

Of course, it was all brilliantly organised and coordinated by the superb MA leadership, board and staff, supported by some wonderful volunteers.

As was the case last year in Leeds, it was excellent to catch up with customers, friends and colleagues while forging new relationships – even among fellow suppliers.

Here’s to Birmingham, 2026!

#JGartsandculture