NEMO’s European Museum Conference 2022: Innovation begins within – Resilient museums in times of disruption took place from 9-11 October 2022 in Loulé, Portugal. Close to 200 people from 40 countries joined to explore how museums can be more innovative, agile and flexible in a fast-changing and challenging world.

The conference unfolded a detailed analysis of the museum sector’s varying capacity to respond to crises – be it war, the pandemic, the energy crisis, social injustice or climate change. To encourage museums to adopt innovation as a structural component of their operations and become more resilient and futureproof, the conference celebrated creative skills that already exist within the sector and drew inspiration from outside the sector to find new approaches, perspectives and ideas.

In addition to offering interesting panels, engaging workshops and networking opportunities, we had the great pleasure to celebrate the 30th anniversary of NEMO with our members and the European Museum community. Since 1992, NEMO has supported and acted as the voice of museums across Europe, and we look forward to many more to come.

A large group of people is photographed from bird perspective sitting and standing on a stage. Some of them are laughing and waving into the camera. © Image: Jorge Gomes
A person wearing a headset is standing on a stage and talking. The person holds green duct tape in their hand. On the floor is already a green line made from duct tape. In the background presentation slides are projected to a screen. © Image: Jorge Gomes
People are sitting on small tables in a conference room. One person is standing and talking. Presentation slides are projected to a screen at the front of the room. © Image: Jorge Gomes
Photo taken from bird perspective of a large group of people standing inside a courtyard. Some people are standing by a buffet, others are socialising or eating. © Image: Jorge Gomes
Three people are sitting on a stage. Another person is standing, gesturing with their arms and talking. In the background, presentation slides are projected to a screen. The headline on the slide reads: "Whatever the problem, leadership is usually seen as one of the culprits." © Image: Jorge Gomes
Four people are sitting on a stage. One person is talking, the others are looking at them.In the background, presentation slides are projected to a screen. © Image: Jorge Gomes
Numerous people are standing in groups and talking to each other. © Image: Jorge Gomes
People are walking and talking to each other in small groups. In the background is a historic building. © Image: Jorge Gomes
Four people are sitting around a small table. On the table is a large piece of paper with notes. One person is talking an gesturing with their arms, while two of the others are looking at them. © Image: Jorge Gomes
Various people sit at restaurant tables. They are talking and laughing. © Image: Jorge Gomes
People are sitting on a restaurant table. One of them has a blue garland around their neck and is smiling. © Image: Jorge Gomes
People are sitting at a restaurant table and talk to each other. In the middle of the picture one person is raising their glass and looks directly at the camera. © Image: Jorge Gomes
A birthday cake with blue and white icing and birthday candles. On the cake the words "NEMO" and "30" are written. © Image: Jorge Gomes
A person is cutting a cake lit by candles. Around them people are watching and taking photographs. © Image: Jorge Gomes
Three people are sitting on a stage. Another person is standing and talking to an audience. In the background, presentation slides are projected to a screen. © Image: Jorge Gomes
A person stands behind a lectern. Projected presentation slides are partly visible on the left and a stand up display is set up on the right. © Image: Jorge Gomes
Four people are sitting on a stage and look towards an audience. A person in a video call is projected to a screen behind them. © Image: Jorge Gomes
Two people sit on a stage. On of them is gesturing and talking to an audience. © Image: Jorge Gomes
Two people sit on chairs and play guitar. © Image: Jorge Gomes
People are standing in groups inside a historic courtyard. © Image: Jorge Gomes
People are dancing in pairs outside in the evening. In the background is an ancient looking wall. © Image: Jorge Gomes

The discussions about innovative museums often circled back to staying relevant in a changing society and contributing to a better world. Some key recommendations include:

Do one more thing

Without the extra effort, we will continue in our old ways forever without generating any change. Privileged people and organisations with large networks, influence and/ or resources need to do more for everyone.

Do one thing less

Cut something that is not working – maybe the context has changed, technology has developed etc. Take regular stock on your list of “actions” and cut things that hinder you from the truly important work.

Let's normalise failure

Failing can lead to innovation and should be seen as a learning process. Rather than ignoring or criticizing failures, embrace them as a powerful energy source for growth and improvement.

Secure to accept risk

Innovation happens when we leave our comfort zone, but to leave a comfort zone, you need to be in one. Therefore, secure employment mixed with an entrepreneurial mindset become essential for risk taking and innovation.

Ask why, not what

Organisations are often too occupied with what they are doing instead of why they are doing it. Change is a threat to what you are doing, but if you focus more on the why, it is easier to create a context that promotes change.

We stand with Ukraine

Vasyl Rozhko from the Heritage Rescue Emergency Initiative (HERI) delivered a video message from Ukraine about the important work being done to protect cultural heritage from the war. NEMO has supported HERI from the start and we want to highlight this video and the appeal for continued support.
Learn more and donate to HERI

Supported by

Logo of the Municipal Museum of Loulé, Portugal. The crest of the city is depicted on the left.
Logo of the Patrimonio Cultural in black and white.
Logo of the European Union. The European flag is on the left. The text on the right reads "Co-funded by the European Union".
Logo of MOI in pink and white.