NEMO’s Working Group LEM – The Learning Museum examines the growing intersection between museums, mental health, and care in its new publication “Art, healing and museums. Exploring museum‑based art psychotherapy Practices with a…
Diversity, inclusion and wellbeing
NEMO empowers museums to foster inclusion, equity, diversity, and wellbeing. We provide tools, good practices, and guidelines for engaging diverse communities and strengthening social connections, support mental health, and contribute to more resilient societies.
A report from 2024 by Kinaole examines the digital accessibility across European museums by analysing selected websites. As digital spaces become increasingly central to cultural participation, the findings offer insights into…
The Red Star Line Museum in Belgium has developed a practical tool to address how museums can responsibly handle personal stories that touch on sensitive themes. This resource outlines how the museum navigates questions of…
What NEMO does
NEMO aims to ensure that museums are recognised and supported by EU policymakers for their efforts in fostering welcoming, closeknit and resilient societies by promoting inclusion, diversity, social equity, and wellbeing by:
- Advocating for awareness among museums in the NEMO network about the needs of diverse communities and the potential of museums to create value for wellbeing, health, and sustainable communities.
- Providing museums across Europe with guidelines, good practices, and successful initiatives for engaging diverse audiences and implementing actions that strengthen wellbeing and health.
- Increasing awareness among policymakers and the public of the role of museums as places for inclusion, wellbeing, and health. Advocate for greater visibility, funding opportunities, and research to maximise the benefits of culture for resilient and equitable societies.
- Position museums as welcoming and trusted spaces where diverse communities can connect, share experiences, and address challenges, particularly in politically sensitive contexts.
- Promoting collaboration between museums, human rights and social equity organisations, and other stakeholders to build strong alliances that advance diversity, inclusion, wellbeing, and social equity for all historically underrepresented groups.
NEMO's advocacy actions
European Museum Conference
Join us in Horsens, Denmark, for the NEMO European Museum Conference 'Who cares? Museums, wellbeing, and resilience', where we’ll explore how museums champion mental health, strengthen sector resilience, and collaborate with healthcare partners. Register now to be part of shaping the future of museum practice.
LGBTQIA+ inclusion in museums
The NEMO 2024 report 'LGBTQIA+ inclusion in European museums: An incomplete guideline' highlights the need for inclusive policies to ensure all communities feel represented in museums, both as visitors and staff. It offers an overview of policies, plus scenarios and practical tips for making museums more respectful and welcoming for queer people, cultures, and history.
Videos and webinars
Help us build a more inclusive resource
Our 'LGBTQIA+ inclusion in European museums: An incomplete guideline' is a work in progress. We invite you to contribute by sharing policies from your country and scenarios of developing more inclusive museums. Your insights will be added to this webpage, enriching this resource for the museum community.
Contributions to our growing resource
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Countries
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Help us build a more inclusive resource
Be the first to submit experiences in your country. Answer the questions below in the submission form and we will add the country and information.
- In which country are you located?
- What policies have you followed in your work to foster LGBTQIA+ inclusion?
- Is there inclusive legislation in your region or country, relevant to museums, that you would like to share?
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Help us build a more inclusive resource
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Scenarios grouped by topic
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Share your experiences in developing more inclusive museums
We want to learn from you so please answer the questions below in the submission form and we will add the information.
- What dilemmas have you faced while developing inclusive programs and policies in your museum, and how have you navigated these challenges?
- What experiences or lessons around diversity and inclusion would you like to share?
- Does your museum have initiatives in place to foster inclusion and embrace diversity that you would like to highlight?
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Inclusive infrastructure
Make the first submission for this scenario topic.
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Research
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Community engagement
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Exhibitions
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Educational programmes
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Collaboration with other organisations
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Inclusive administrative policies
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Internal development (i.e. staff training)
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Participation in community events
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Other
Got a scenario that doesn't fit in any in these topics? Let us know by filling out the submission form.
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Share your experiences in developing more inclusive museums