Celebrating Museums

Celebrating Museums is an annual event when we invite museums to tell their stories of challenge, progress and achievement, and reflect on ways that we are moving forwards together in the North region.  It is jointly hosted by Museum Development North and Arts Council England.

An informative, inspirational and reflective day, we invite speakers from museums across the North to give short presentations.  There are also opportunities for Q&A and panel discussions, and plenty of time for networking and catching up with colleagues.

Celebrating Museums 2025 – 13 March at the Guildhall, York

Some of our speakers have recorded their presentations for you to re-watch:

James Etherington, Kiplin Hall & Gardens – How much ambition can you fit into one year?

Esther Hallberg, Ferens Art Gallery – Are we there yet?

Louisa Attaheri & Eleanor Whitehead, Wigan Museum – What’s In Store?

Matthew Johnston & Lewis Scullion, Tullie – De-Tabooing Disposals in Regional Museums

Cat Lumb & Mae Kitchen Liston, Kirklees Museums and Galleries – How Cultural Apprentices Contribute to Success

Melissa Mitchell, Wordsworth Grasmere – Premier Experiences

Monty Martin, The Ted Lewis Centre – Acorn to a Tender Oak Tree

Sophie Westlake & Franki Gillis, Vindolanda – Climate Change vs Archaeology: Protecting the Future to Preserve the Past

Frances McIntosh, English Heritage – Sustainable Temporary Exhibitions

Victoria Howarth, Salford Museum and Art Gallery and Ordsall Hall – Unlocking the Collections: Accessible Interpretation

Sassy Holmes, National Football Museum – Make Your Mark: Building Authentic Connections Through Community Projects

Katie McGivney, Cumbria Museum Consortium – Cumbria Museum Consortium Schools Mapping Exercise

Abby Boon & Cat Lane, Leeds University Library Galleries – Access All Areas: Our Audience-Led Approach to Accessible Art