Reports looks at priorities for the museum learning sector

GEM - the Group for Education in Museums has published its 2024 GEM Museum Learning Report. It highlights freelancers' vulnerability, cost-of-living pressures as well as noting positive changes like flexible working and increased confidence in hybrid programming post-Covid.

The report emphasises that some survey participants, especially freelancers, feel vulnerable in the current financial environment affecting museums. Concerns were specifically raised about the dependence on external project-based funding for roles and programmes, and the impact of cost-of-living pressures on school and family audience engagement. On a positive note, the report also highlights beneficial changes in the sector, such as the advantages of flexible working and the confidence gained from the shift to digital during COVID, which has encouraged continued hybrid programming.

The report Museum Learning Research 2024 - What are the priorities for the museum learning sector? lists the following recommendations for the sector :

  • Recognise the value of the museum learning sector
  • Protect access to museums and heritage for children, young people and communities
  • Support Fair Pay and working conditions
  • Create a diverse and inclusive workforce

The report is based on 99 survey responses from 67 GEM members and 32 non-members, with contributions from across the United Kingdom.

Since 2022, NEMO organises the One to One Mentoring programme exclusively for NEMO members thanks to a partnership with the Group for Education in Museums (GEM).