As part of the project, 15,000 citizens across Denmark have been invited to participate, with a representative group of 36 participants to be selected through a stratified random process. The goal is to ensure a balanced group reflecting diversity in age, geography, education and levels of museum engagement.
Over the course of the autumn 2026, participants will take part in a series of in‑person and online meetings to discuss how museums can remain relevant, accessible and meaningful for wider audiences. Supported by expert input, the assembly will develop recommendations for Museum Thy, SMK and the broader museum sector, with final outcomes expected in early 2027.
The initiative aims to strengthen democratic participation and co‑ownership by directly involving citizens in shaping museum practices and priorities. It also seeks to explore how museums can better respond to public expectations and societal needs in a changing cultural landscape.
The project is supported by the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces and builds on international examples of participatory governance, while marking a first for the Nordic museum sector.
- Learn more in the press release (in Danish)
A growing approach to participation
Citizen assemblies are increasingly used as a method to address complex societal questions by bringing together diverse perspectives in a structured dialogue process. In the museum context, they offer opportunities to engage audiences more directly in decision‑making and to strengthen trust and relevance.
NEMO' resource “Fostering dialogue in divisive times – A guide for museums regarding engagement with community forums on climate action", published by the NEMO Group Sustainability and Climate Action, provides practical guidance on organising and facilitating participatory formats. While the guide focuses on climate action, its principles, such as inclusive dialogue, structured facilitation and community engagement, can be adapted to a wide range of topics, including cultural policy and the future role of museums. This makes it a useful reference for institutions interested in experimenting with approaches such as citizen assemblies.
