ICOM UK, in partnership with the British Council, has announced the development of Museum Bridge, a new roadmap designed to foster stronger, more equitable, and sustainable international museum collaborations. The initiative builds on research commissioned in 2025 to better understand the needs of the UK museum sector in engaging with global partners.
ICOM UK and the British Council have unveiled early plans for Museum Bridge, a new initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable and equitable international museum partnerships. The roadmap stems from research conducted in 2025 to better understand how UK museums collaborate globally and how these connections can be improved.
Led by consultancy City Global Futures, the study combined interviews, a global survey, and international workshops involving museum professionals from multiple countries. Findings highlight the need for long-term partnerships focused on capacity building, digital inclusion, climate action, and embedding principles such as decolonisation and restitution.
Museum Bridge proposes a practical framework supported by blended funding from public, private, and philanthropic sources. It also seeks to amplify underrepresented voices, particularly from regional, independent, and Global South institutions.
The initiative marks a first step toward broader consultation across the sector. A public webinar on 22 May 2026 will outline next steps and invite further participation from museum professionals worldwide.
For more information and how to get involved
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