The webinar brings together museum professionals and researchers to reflect on the role of strategic communication in addressing key societal and institutional challenges. As museums engage with contested narratives, colonial legacies and increasing demands for inclusive representation, communication is highlighted as a central tool for engaging diverse audiences and addressing discrimination, racism and inequity.
Representing NEMO, Rebecca Thonander, Communications Officer, will present a case study on NEMO's “LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in European Museums. An incomplete guideline.” With the guideline, NEMO addresses the critical issue of ensuring that all communities feel welcome in the museum by implementing LGBTQIA+ inclusive policies. Drawing on insights gathered from museum professionals across Europe, this initiative aims to support institutions in becoming more inclusive spaces for everyone.
NEMO Executive Board Member Sandro Debono will also contribute to the discussion, alongside speakers including Richard Sandell (University of Leicester) and Darko Babić (ICOM ICTOP). The session will be moderated by Cristina Chiaiso (University of Genoa and ICOM COMMS).
The webinar explores how museums can act as ethical communicators, balancing the need to address sensitive topics with the responsibility to build trust and engage communities. It also reflects on internal dimensions of communication, including workplace culture, wellbeing and inclusion.
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A second session, “LOOKING INWARD: Strategic Communication to Address Inconvenient Truths,” will take place on 23 June 2026, focusing on how internal communication can support accountability, equity and healthier organisational cultures within museums.
Linking to International Museum Day 2026
The event is aligned with the International Museum Day, which this year focuses on “Museums Uniting a Divided World.” The theme highlights the role of museums as spaces for connection, dialogue and mutual understanding in times of increasing social and political fragmentation.
The topics addressed in the webinar directly reflect this ambition, demonstrating how communication can help museums create environments where diverse perspectives are recognised and respected. By fostering dialogue and critical reflection, museums contribute to reducing inequalities, strengthening peaceful and inclusive societies, and supporting global cooperation, values closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 10, 16 and 17).
