The University of Aberdeen is among the successful recipients in the latest round of the Museum Development Fund.
The University will receive £59,402 of the £684,108 total awarded to 12 museums across the country.
The funded projects will support museums to strengthen relationships with their local communities, improve collections care, and enhance interpretation and storytelling at their venues.
In Aberdeen, the University will work with audience strategists for a research project to better understand visitor motivation and barriers to access, working with local people to develop an audience framework and actionable plan for access.
Jennifer Downes, Exhibitions and Public Programming Manager at University of Aberdeen, said: “It is important to understand what attracts people to our collections - what sparks their curiosity, and why some people chose not to visit us at all. We're especially keen to uncover any internal and external barriers that might limit engagement.
“This funding will enable us to partner with an audience strategy consultancy to work directly with local audiences to better understand how people perceive the collections and what can be done to improve access.
“We are grateful to Museums Galleries Scotland’s Museum Development Fund and very excited to be embarking on this research, which will have significant regional benefits and follow the University’s purpose to be open to all and to work in the service of others.”
Lucy Casot, CEO of MGS said: “We are delighted to support these projects which demonstrate the important role of museums as civic spaces for learning, community engagement, and belonging – and as trusted custodians of our cultural heritage. From sharing untold stories and empowering communities to shape decisions, to improving collections care and enhancing visitor experiences, these projects will help ensure our museums remain relevant, responsible, and closely connected with the people they serve.”
Funding has also been awarded to Leisure and Culture Dundee, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, Almond Valley Heritage Trust, Glasgow Life (People’s Palace), Helmsdale Heritage Society (Timespan), Heriot-Watt University, Robert Burns Ellisland, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, The Royal Scots Regimental Museum and Shetland Museum.
For more information visit: https://www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/news/684k-boost-for-scotlands-museums-to-strengthen-community-ties/