A research report by Dr Laura Crossley explores the growing impact of burnout across the cultural sector and calls for…
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.
The UK Museums Association has published a new series of Museums Change Lives case studies showcasing how museums across Scotland are strengthening communities, addressing social challenges and creating lasting positive impact.
A good practice guide developed by Portugal's Network of Dementia-Inclusive Museums (Rede MiD) provides practical guidance for museums and cultural institutions seeking to create more inclusive experiences for people living with…
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
Statement on wellbeing and health
This statement affirms NEMO's ongoing commitment beyond the 2025 conference to recognising museums as vital components of civic care systems, and calls for their inclusion in public-health strategies. It also highlights the importance of intersectoral collaboration, social prescribing, and evidence-based approaches to embedding wellbeing into museum practice and policy.
European Museum Conference
NEMO's European Museum Conference "Who cares? Museums, wellbeing, and resilience" brought together 327 museum professionals, cultural practitioners, and cross-sector experts from 37 countries for three days of inspiration, exchange, and connection. To ensure that the conference insights and topics reach beyond Horsens, we've made selected recordings available online together with other resources.
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.