Travelling Together: South West Museum Journeys towards Inclusion and Collaboration kicked off to a vibrant start at SS Great Britain in September.
Delegates from museums and heritage organisations across the South West dived into challenging and thought-provoking topics led by our expert Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) trainers, Inclusive Recruiting. Individuals were able share wide ranging experiences as they explored how to make their museums more accessible, inclusive and relevant to their communities.
Topics explored so far
- What is EDIB? Why is it important?
- Understanding bias; microaggressions; privilege; intersectionality; active allyship; equity
- How to embed EDIB into organisational processes and structures
- Understanding how everyone can contribute towards wider organisational EDIB goals
- How to be more confident in approaching topics around EDI with colleagues
- Why EDIB data is important and how to collect it
- How to ensure museum policies enhance EDIB
- How inclusive recruiting practices can diversify museum volunteers, colleagues and trustees
“There have been some personal revelations today and a lot to reflect on and share and discuss with colleagues (and family and friends!) Fantastic session, thank you!”
“Thinking about microaggressions is an opportunity to try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes”
“I really love the backpack analogy (the idea that we all carry a ‘backpack’ of personal layers’ with us) – I’m going to use that one”
Travelling Together so far – in numbers:
- Four training sessions
- 20 different museums and heritage organisations
- 85 individual attendances
Turning Theory into Practice
With two more in-depth training workshops to go, the eight core museums will draw on their new knowledge to create, or update a current, EDIB Action Plan for their museum. Supported by a grant of £1,500 and access to relevant experts/mentors, these museums will kick-start projects to challenge barriers faced by their audiences.
Coming Up – Travelling Together Peer Network Sessions
Our seven Champions have now come together, shared their own lived experiences and explored what true inclusivity looks like in the heritage sector. These discussions will spark a series of peer networking sessions on topics that reflect our Champions’ passions, concerns and expertise. Open to everyone working or volunteering in the South West’s museums, and supported by expertise, including that of the Travelling Together Steering Group, these sessions will take place across the region or online from November 2023 onwards.
Please contact the team if you would like to take part in these peer networking sessions.