Timeout is a new way to generate and engage in constructive dialogue. It can be used whenever a deeper understanding of a topic or an equal encounter is needed – for instance, as part of preparations, decision-making or bringing different people together. Museums can use it as part of their democracy work and to develop museums’ own exhibition activities. It will also open up possibilities for museums to act as arenas for democracy and civil discourse.

In this workshop, we will go through the steps of the Timeout dialogue and also try out the dialogue method – the best way to learn it is to try it yourself. We will step out of our roles as museum professionals and engage in an equal dialogue, sharing our own experiences and learning from each other.

In today’s polarised societies, museums can act as powerful agents of social change, challenging discrimination and fostering community connections. The International Coalition of Sites of Conscience - Europe (ICSC-Europe) will host a workshop based on its Correcting the Record methodology, designed to help museums and heritage sites increase their social impact. Participants will strengthen their skills in conducting self-assessments to ensure inclusive practices, co-create with marginalized communities, and interpret collections equitably.

The workshop will offer a reflective and peer-to-peer exchange space, focusing on how museums can engage in difficult conversations about contested histories, rebuild trust with marginalised groups, and challenge discriminatory narratives. Ultimately, the session will highlight the vital role museums play in promoting social justice and democratic values in an increasingly divided world.

Museums face complex issues like diversity, accessibility, and equality. Addressing these requires a unified strategy across departments, but siloed structures often prevent collaboration. Unfortunately, many museums are structured in silos, with teams operating independently. This fragmentation hinders collaboration and makes it difficult to develop a cohesive approach to these complex issues. Furthermore, "futures thinking" often happens at the leadership level, with strategic plans crafted in isolation from the day-to-day operations and the teams who actually deliver public-facing experiences. This disconnect leads to well-intentioned strategies that fail to translate into effective action. This dynamic workshop tackles these issues head-on. It empowers cultural workers with design methods and tools to foster collaboration across departments. Additionally, the workshop provides Futures Design stimuli, prompting reflection on the role of digital tools and diversity in museums' future. The format offers both debate and discovery, with discussions and hands-on exercises applying design methods to a future-world museum challenge.

This workshop explores the growing tension between museums’ pursuit of social relevance and the influence of political boards and government bodies. While museums in Belgium and the Netherlands increasingly aim to contribute social value, their interpretations often differ from those of politicians and governmental departments, raising concerns about autonomy in decision-making.The workshop will begin with an overview of how museums in Belgium and the Netherlands strive for autonomy and build stable relationships with their authorities and funders. Participants will learn from both successful examples and cases where autonomy has been threatened. Facilitators will also introduce strategies and tools to maintain open dialogue with political entities. Participants will be invited to share their own experiences in maintaining dialogue and autonomy, reflecting on successes and challenges.

Can we talk about precarious employment in the museum sector and its impact on working with marginalised communities and sensitive histories? We invite you to join a workshop facilitated by the National Museum of Ireland’s Sensitive Histories Group. We consider the museums' potential for driving positive change and its capability to be transformative, harmful, or healing. Throughout the session we will be mindful of the practicalities of doing this work in museums for precarious workers. By gaining an understanding of the ecology of museum workers in Europe, we endeavour to strengthen relationships with communities and have a positive societal impact.