Young people across the UK are being invited to an event, itself led by young people, to discuss, advocate and build new networks in the heritage and museum sector.
Charity Kids in Museums has planned the event, led by the Kids in Museums Youth Panel, consisting of people aged 16-25.
The Future is Now will take place on Friday 12 May at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum.
The event follows research from DCMS and Morris Hargreaves McIntyre which suggests that only 12% of 16-24 year olds felt London museums told stories that were relevant to them.
Kids in Museums said there was a “huge need to consult young people about what they want from museums in order to change perceptions”.
Best practice in work with young people and the future of young people’s work in museums are to be discussed. Presentations are sought from young people that could cover the climate and ecological emergency, anti-racist practice, cost of living crisis, and overcoming barriers to accessing museums.
The results of young people’s discussions will be fed back to the sector by Kids in Museums and form the core of their advocacy for young people in museums.
The Youth Summit has been made possible by an £11k 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 Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards, which is giving over £1m 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, Youth Panel members will aim to bridge the gap between young people and institutions. The first episode is expected in March.
