Audience development & engagement
Use these resources to learn how your organisation can meaningfully engage your audience and further your outreach.
Visitor research & development
How to conduct audience research
This handbook is for people working in the visual arts who are engaged with developing audiences in Australia’s regional art galleries and who would like to expand their viewers’ experience of contemporary art. By Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Audience research toolkit
This toolkit by Creative Victoria allows you to find tools that match your resources and skill level.
Topics include: understand your audience; build new audiences; set up surveys and consultations; analyse and report results; work with your stakeholders; ensure best practice research.
Visitor Research Made Easy
Visitor Research Made Easy is a step-by-step approach to enable museums, galleries and cultural organisations to select the most appropriate techniques to develop insight into both existing and potential visitors. Written by Sharron Dickman, initiated by Arts Victoria.
Who is your audience?
Understanding your visitors – and who you’d like to attract – is essential: who they are, where do they come from, their likes and dislikes. This can help you build a stronger museum that appeals to more people. By Museums Galleries Scotland, UK.
Art? Art! Art.. an audience development handbook for public art galleries and museums
Written by Dr. Jane Deeth and Tracey Cockburn, this handbook is for people working in the visual arts who are engaged with developing audiences in Australia’s regional art galleries and who would like to expand their viewers’ experience of contemporary art.
Measuring socially engaged practice: a toolkit for museums
This toolkit is a useful summary of their learning from the many and varied projects they’ve supported. By Museums Association, UK.
Taking out the guesswork: a guide to using research to build arts audiences
This guidebook was developed out of strong evidence that audience research can strengthen audience-building initiatives by helping institutions understand how to build meaningful connections with different groups. Published by The Wallace Foundation, 2015.
How to attract new museum audiences
The following resource is drawn from the workshop Community, Collaboration, Change – presented by Rebecca Jones as part of the 2015 Standards Program. The workshop focused on attracting new visitors and recruiting museum volunteers. By Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Guess who’s going to the gallery? Queensland report
This report is a strategic audience evaluation and development study for Queensland Galleries. Report published by Museums & Galleries Queensland, 2013.
Oral History instructional video
Learn how to capture oral histories with an instructional video developed by AMaGA Victoria as part of the Veterans Heritage Project.
Public programs & community engagement
Collaborating with regional communities
These guidelines and tools are to assist those working in regional communities to achieve a more rewarding level of involvement in cultural activities. By Regional Arts Australia.
Art for everyone: approaches to inclusive practice in arts and mental health
This workbook is for people and organisations who wish to develop inclusive art programs in a meaningful and respectful way. Published by Access Art Victoria, 2017.
Creativity is Mistakes
Creativity is Mistakes is a collaborative project between disabled artists and visual arts organisations in Wales. This page collates a number of resources that promote collective access in the visuals artists, drawing on the voices, talents and experiences of disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent visual artists.
How to develop a public program
This guide is to help you devise public programs in a way which is driven by data about your existing and potential audiences, furthers the vision of the organisation and makes a genuine difference to visitors’ lives. Designed by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Significant Events – a museums & galleries training program
This resource was developed in 2000 and 2001 to enable museums and galleries to fully develop and effectively market exhibitions and projects highlighting the Centenary of Federation in 2001.
The publication still provides a useful model for those wishing to link future exhibitions and events to key dates. It includes practical frameworks and tools to assist in developing displays, exhibitions, and interpretive programs for significant events; and marketing and event management of projects for significant events. Published by Museums Australia (Qld) and Regional Galleries Association of Queensland, 2001.
Community issue exhibition toolkit
This toolkit explains how to co-create an exhibition with your community so people can take action on an issue that matters. By Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, USA.
Behind closed doors
Uncover a wealth of ideas, tips and resources with this mini toolkit to help your museum improve access to its stored collections. By Heritage Insider, UK.
Children & curriculum
Kids in Museums manifesto
A set of simple guidelines for museums created with children, young people and families. It sets out what they feel makes a museum a great place to visit. By Kids in Museums, UK.
How to engage with young people
This guide is designed to help you engage young people in your museum or gallery. The guide is applicable to all programs regardless of scale; from one-off artist workshops and school visits to longer engagements such as youth committees, teen nights or art shows. By Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Autism in museums: welcoming families and young people
Tips on how your organisation can become more accessible and welcoming to families and young people with autism. By Kids in Museums, UK.
History skills
This unit consists of both teacher support materials and resources for students relevant to the development of skills in Years 9 and 10. By Museums Victoria.
Building the future of education
Published by Center for the Future of Museums, USA, 2014.
Deadly Learning – Monash University Museum of Art
Deadly Learning is designed to help art teachers and school students see the world from the point of view of some of Australia’s leading contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. The starting points for discussion and practical learning activities within this resource provide opportunities for students to learn as both viewer and artist.
Marketing & social media
Social media guidelines
The main objective of these guidelines is: to provide the basic tools to create effective social media campaigns; to help you create and use compelling content; and to share tips on how to monitor platforms in the most time-efficient ways. Guidelines by International Council of Museums (ICOM), 2019.
How to promote an upcoming exhibition
This resource was written by publicity consultant Patrizia Di Biase-Dyson as part of Museums & Galleries of NSW’s Engaging Art initiative.
How to: Free PR for your museum
This article includes a few tips from Museum Hack, USA for pitching your museum.
3 ways your museum should be using Instagram
Instagram is a visual platform that’s perfect for museums to engage with their customers. This article by Museum Hack, USA tells you why and how.
Google digital garage
These free online courses by Google offer a range of learning content designed to help grow your business. Topics include digital marketing, data and tech, and career development.
Further assistance
M&G QLD Consultant & Supplier Register
M&G QLD’s Consultant and Supplier Register is a comprehensive list of museum and gallery sector specialists, both Queensland-based and nationally.
Funding
Find related funding in our Grants & Philanthropic funding resource.
Resources are correct at time of publishing. Is there a resource that should be on this page? Let us know.
Enquiries
Ben O’Dwyer
Information Officer, Museums & Galleries Queensland
Disaster preparedness & recovery
Use these disaster preparedness resources to learn how to protect and salvage your precious collections from Queensland’s natural disasters.
Disaster planning and response
AICCM Disaster Preparedness Calendar
With the continuing threat of natural disasters across Australia, the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM) has produced a Disaster Preparedness Calendar for 2025.
The calendar aims to assist cultural organisations in identifying seasonal risks to their collections and planning activities to reduce risks across the year.
Download your own copy now:
Be prepared: guidelines for small museums for writing a disaster preparedness plan
This publication provides guidelines to enable the museum sector to write useful disaster preparedness plans. A Heritage Collections Council Project undertaken by Söderlund Consulting, produced as part of the National Conservation and Preservation Strategy, 2000.
All is not lost: the collection recovery book
This book is for museums, historical societies and anyone who has items that have been affected by disaster. This book provides quick, basic instructions on salvaging materials damaged by water, fire or impact. Published by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, NSW, 2017.
Endangered heritage: emergency evacuation of heritage collections
Built upon years of experience and real-life situations, this publication offers a field-tested, simple workflow for the emergency evacuation of valuable objects that is easy to replicate in any context. Published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 2016.
Disaster planning for large collections
This counter disaster plan template can be easily tailored by your organisation. By the State Library of Queensland, last revised 2016.
Disaster Management for Libraries and Cultural Collections
This guide provides information about how to safeguard library or cultural collections in the event of a disaster. The Guide (Part One) gives an overview and context for the Disaster Plan. The Template (Part Two) has been flexibly designed for your library or cultural institution to develop its own collections Disaster Plan. By Australian Library and Information Association, last revised 2019.
Counter-disaster planning
This information will help you to understand the need to access the extent of a disaster, and quickly assemble the resources you need to deal with it. By reCollections (page 57).
Disaster planning and response
These instructional videos will inform you on how to develop and implement an effective disaster plan in an emergency situation. By Northeast Museum Services Center, National Park Service, USA, 2011.
Resilience and mental health resources
Beyond Blue – Natural Disasters and your mental health
Queensland Mental Health Commission – Mental Health following a Natural Disaster
A guide with links to mental health resources and support to assist emergency personnel and community members’ recovery after a natural disaster.
Birdie’s Tree natural disaster resilience resources
Developed by Children’s Queensland Health, these resources are designed to help children and families build emotional resilience to cope with and recover from natural disasters.
13YARN
13YARN is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders crisis support line, available 24/7, offering people in need a safe place to yarn.
Support for those impacted by natural disasters and traumatic events resource
Life in Mind has developed this downloadable resource to support individual and community wellbeing following natural disasters.
Cyclones
Cyclone Preparation Fact Sheet
This fact sheet has been prepared by Museums & Galleries Queensland in partnership with Queensland Museum, Senior Museum Development Officers to assist museums and galleries to prepare for tropical cyclones.
Fire
Bushfires: protect your precious possessions
This document contains information on bushfire preparation, response and salvaging of possessions. By the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, The University of Melbourne, 2003.
After a fire: how can you salvage your family’s precious belongings?
This printable brochure contains quick tips on what to do after a fire, a checklist of what you will need, general handling advice and cleaning instructions. By the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material, 2009.
Fire damaged memorabilia: advice for bushfire victims
These guidelines provide detailed information about salvaging procedures on a variety of materials. By the Australian War Memorial.
First aid for fire damaged video tapes and audio materials
All audiovisual media are sensitive to heat and water but may be possible to salvage when exposed to fire. These documents explain what materials can be salvaged and how to clean them. By the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.
Flood
After a flood: how can you salvage precious belongings?
This printable brochure contains quick tips on what to do after a flood, a checklist of what you will need, general handling advice and salvaging instructions. By the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material, 2011.
Disasters part one and two: how to recover a flood-damaged collection
These videos, by the State Library of Queensland, demonstrate how to plan to salvage your collection and the first steps to cleaning paper-based collections.
Emergency recovery of water damaged collections
Helpful tips for the initial salvage of collections affected by water. By the State Library of Queensland.
Salvaging water damaged collections
Steps to salvage water damaged paper, book, photographic, and audiovisual collections. By the State Library of Queensland.
Freezing water damaged collections
Freezing can be used to buy time when treating water damaged collections. By the State Library of Queensland.
Recovering flood damaged records
This information provides advice on preparing your work area, priorities of salvaging and drying procedures for saving records from further damage. By the National Archives of Australia.
Salvaging water damaged collections
These videos show how to salvage a number of materials such as textiles, furniture and wood, photographs, books, and documents and leaflets. By Preservation Australia, 2011.
Recovering audiovisual treasures from flood damage
This information gives the do’s and don’ts of salvaging audiovisual material after flood damage. By the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.
Mould
Dealing with mould
Mould can be dangerous to people as well as collections. This guide will help you prevent mould and treat mould affected collections. By the State Library of Queensland.
Mould
This video shows techniques such as freezing, object isolation, and brush vacuuming to help treat a mould outbreak. By the Western Australian Museum.
Further assistance
IN AN EMERGENCY, ALWAYS PHONE 000
Q-Dis: Queensland Culture and Heritage Disaster forum
An online forum for sharing information on disaster preparedness and planning for anyone volunteering and working in Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, Records, Heritage and Keeping Places.
Blue Shield Australia
An international organisation, working to protect the world’s cultural heritage threatened by armed conflict and natural disasters.
M&G QLD Consultant & Supplier Register
M&G QLD’s Consultant and Supplier Register is a comprehensive list of museum and gallery sector specialists, both Queensland-based and nationally.
Directory of conservators
The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM) directory of conservators in private practice lists over 65 members in Australia.
LPG Fire Australia
A leading supplier of inert and synthetic gas suppression systems, water mist and spray systems, fixed foam systems, oxygen reduction systems and speciality detection systems.
Funding
Find related funding in our Grants & Philanthropic funding resource.
Donations for disaster preparedness and recovery
In recent years, M&G QLD has been encouraging donations of $2 or more to its tax-deductible Donation Fund to support our work in disaster recovery, including clean-up efforts, conservation materials and services, staff and volunteer training and well-being programs.
Resources are correct at time of publishing. Is there a resource that should be on this page? Let us know.
Enquiries
Ben O’Dwyer
Information Officer, Museums & Galleries Queensland
Education & training
Each year, M&G QLD compiles a list of education, training and professional development opportunities for people in, and aspiring to work in the museum and gallery sector.
Education, training & professional development
In this resource, education and training opportunities are grouped by availability within Queensland and outside Queensland, including courses available via distance mode. Written by Museums & Galleries Queensland.
Document updated: August 2024
Services we offer
Museums & Galleries Queensland delivers workshops, seminars, networking events and conferences for the sector in all of our major program areas: sector development, training and professional development and exhibition development and touring.
Useful resources
Australian Copyright Council – Training
The Australian Copyright Council represents the peak bodies for professional artists and content creators working in Australia’s creative industries and Australia’s major copyright collecting societies.
P: 02 9101 2399
E: [email protected]
Australian Government – study assist
Information for students about government assistance for financing tertiary study.
Australian Government – job outlook
Job Outlook can help you make decisions about study and training, your first job, or the next step in your career.
Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material – Events and webinars
The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM) is the professional organisation for conservators in Australia.
Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA)
The Australian Museums and Galleries Association is the national professional organisation and peak council for museums and public art galleries in Australia.
P: 02 6230 0346
E: [email protected]
Creative Partnerships Australia – Professional development
Creative Partnerships Australia provides artists and arts organisations with the tools, skills and resources to flourish. From fundraising programs and opportunities for business partnerships, to practical campaigning tips and capacity building workshops.
P: 03 9616 0300
Flying Arts Alliance Inc – Professional development programs
Flying Arts is an arts and cultural development organisation that inspires the appreciation, practice and professional development of the visual arts as a lifetime interest or career aspiration, and a creative life for all Queenslanders.
P: 07 3216 1322
E: [email protected]
The Good Universities Guide
Australia’s largest course comparison website.
State Library of Queensland – Preserve your collections
The State Library of Queensland’s preservation staff use specialised techniques to care for, preserve, and make accessible a range of items according to their use and significance. As well as preserving their own collection, they offer advice and services to Queensland’s regional libraries, other organisations, and members of the public.
Volunteering Australia
Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering, working to advance volunteering in the Australian community.
P: 0480 258 723
E: [email protected]
Video Production 101 for Museum Education
Creating video content is a great way to extend your educational impact beyond the museum walls, but it’s easy to feel out of your depth when first experimenting with the medium. What equipment do you need, how should you edit your footage, and how should you distribute your finished product? In this six-minute video, Trae Johnson, Assistant Director of Education and Outreach at Kansas Historical Society, shares key tips on these questions and more. Provided by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).
Funding
Find related funding in our Grants & Philanthropic funding resource.
Resources are correct at time of publishing. Is there a resource that should be on this page? Let us know.
Enquiries
Ben O’Dwyer
Information Officer, Museums & Galleries Queensland
Exhibitions & displays
Use these resources to learn the ins-and-outs of planning and delivering an exhibition or display at your museum or gallery.
Interpretation & storytelling
Interpretation
Advice and guides by Museum Galleries Scotland, UK that includes: interpretive aims and objectives; what to interpret, interpretive text, digital interpretation and interpreting your audience.
Interpretation
These resources by the Western Australian Museum cover topics such as: disability awareness, interpretation policy, exhibition policy, education and public programs, labels in museum exhibitions, lighting in museum exhibits, and exhibition development.
Interpretation policy template
This template includes keys points to consider when interpreting items in your collection for display. Written by Australian Museums and Galleries Association (Victoria) as part of the Museum Accreditation Program, 2007.
Creating a small exhibition
Creating a small themed exhibition is a great way to showcase a particular story from your collection without having to rethink your permanent exhibition space. This video by Australian Museums and Galleries Association (Victoria) illustrates how you can create a small one cabinet themed exhibit, or a series of cabinets to create an exhibition.
Oral History instructional video
Learn how to capture oral histories with an instructional video developed by AMaGA Victoria as part of the Veterans Heritage Project.
Oral History Toolkit
This resource was developed in collaboration between AMaGA Victoria and Museum Victoria, and is based on Museum Victoria’s Oral History Kit, 2014.
Exhibition labelling
Your label will be read by people without any prior information and by those who are well versed on the subject, so choose language that is clear, concise, integral and avoids jargon. Museums and Galleries of NSW has provided a factsheet of what to consider.
Writing text and labels
This information by The Australian Museum provides an overview of visitor behaviour, exhibition and text development based on a literature review.
Exhibition planning and label writing 101: top tips
This article is an interview with North Carolina Museum of Art, USA curators Jennifer Dasal and Caroline Rocheleau who give their top tips on selecting works of art for exhibition and writing labels about them.
Exhibition logistics
Exhibitions: a practical guide for small museums and galleries
A step-by-step guidebook on how to initiate, manage, and deliver an exhibition. This book will assist small museums and galleries and includes a comprehensive list of all the documentation templates you will need to deliver exhibitions to museum standards. Written by Georgia Rouette, Australian Museums and Galleries Association (Victoria), 2007.
Exhibition basics
Follow these basics by Museums Victoria to put together your museum or gallery setting.
Curatorial toolkit: a practical guide for curators
This toolkit is designed primarily for emerging curators. The toolkit is meant as a recommended practice guide – a suggested framework from which curators may create their own working practice. Published by 2010 Legacies Now, Canada.
Condition reports: the essentials
There are several different types of condition reports and many sorts of condition reporting forms, some of which form a component of a cataloguing system, others that have been designed for specific uses or collections. Resource by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Loans factsheet
This factsheet by Museums & Galleries of NSW covers: permanent and long-term loans, record keeping, loans register, loan agreement forms and parties involved.
Loans for exhibitions
Given that the value of the subject matter of the exhibition loan agreement will often be high, it is essential that the contract be simple to understand and that it carefully and precisely articulates the parties’ intentions. This resource by Simpsons Solicitors covers the legal implications of loans for exhibitions.
Installing exhibitions: a practical guide
An invaluable guide for all students, artists, makers and craftspeople – anyone in fact who exhibits or displays their own work, or the work of others. By Pete Smithson, 2010.
Handling, transportation, storage and display
Learn how vulnerable objects are when they are being handled, know the ideal conditions for storing and displaying mixed collections of objects, and understand the need to protect objects from fluctuations in environmental conditions when moving them from one climatic zone to another. Resources by re:Collections.
Working with artists
Artworks: getting permission
This information sheet is for people who want to use photographs, paintings, drawings, book illustrations, cartoons, graphics on websites and other artworks. Information by Australian Copyright Council, 2019.
Putting works online: FAQs for artists and arts organisations
Arts Law of Australia has put together answers to some of the most common question’s we’ve received from artists and arts organisations. This edition focuses on putting work online.
Public art guidelines for artists and commissioners
The following guidelines may help creators and commissioners of public artworks avoid conflict and misunderstanding both during the commissioning process and for the life of the work. Guidelines by Arts Law of Australia.
Contracts: an introduction
Contracts can be confusing to get your head around. This information sheet by Arts Law of Australia is an introduction to contract basics.
Artist contracts and agreements
The agreement or contract is the legal document between an artist or owner of an artwork and a borrowing institution, or between an exhibition organiser and the host venue. Resource by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Touring exhibitions
Travelling exhibitions: a practical handbook for metropolitan and regional galleries and museums
Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran to travelling exhibitions, an individual or an organisation, this comprehensive guide will take you step-by-step through the planning, standards and practice of putting an art or museum exhibition on the road. By Sara Kelly, National Exhibitions Touring Support Victoria, 2002.
Touring exhibitions
M&G QLD manages a high-quality touring exhibitions program to provide access to contemporary visual arts practice for regional and metropolitan communities.
Are you interested in touring an exhibition, do you want to hire an exhibition for your venue, or are you seeking advice? Get in touch with our Exhibition Development and Touring team.
National Exhibition Touring Support
This website features an online directory of available touring exhibitions from across the country as well as exhibitions on the road.
Basics of touring an exhibition
A travelling exhibition is a great way for your exhibition to be seen by thousands of visitors across the country. Museums & Galleries of NSW has compiled a list of things to consider before your show goes on the road.
Touring of exhibitions
This resource by Simpsons Solicitors covers the legal implications of touring exhibitions.
Further assistance
M&G QLD Consultant & Supplier Register
M&G QLD’s Consultant and Supplier Register is a comprehensive list of museum and gallery sector specialists, both Queensland-based and nationally.
Funding
Find related funding in our Grants & Philanthropic funding resource.
Resources are correct at time of publishing. Is there a resource that should be on this page? Let us know.
Enquiries
Ben O’Dwyer
Information Officer, Museums & Galleries Queensland
Collection management & care
Each object in a collection has its own special care needs. Use these resources to learn how to effectively store, catalogue and manage your collection.
Collection management
Thinking about: collection policies
This document is for small to medium museums, but contains information pertinent to public art galleries and Aboriginal keeping places. Written by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Collection Management Systems fact sheet
This fact sheet collates research on the use of Collection Management Software across approximately 300 organisations in NSW. It can assist in determining the best software for your organisation, with a list of commonly used CMS programs and factors to consider before purchasing. Written by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Collection policy template
This template can be used as a reference, either to compare with an existing document, or as background reading for preparing a new document. Developed by Association of Museums and Galleries Australia (Victoria), 2014.
The small museums cataloguing manual: a guide to cataloguing objects and image collections
This edition has been revised to include guidance on using cataloguing software on computers, ‘how to’ examples of worksheets and a list of useful resources. Published by Australian Museums and Galleries Association (Victoria), 5th edition, 2021.
Significance 2.0: A guide to assessing the significance of collections
This publication aims to help collecting organisations, collections professionals and the broader public to determine the significance of cultural and heritage objects. Published by the Collections Council of Australia, 2009.
Significance in a nutshell
This resource, produced by Victorian Collections provides an introduction to Significance, highlighting the four primary criteria (Historic, Aesthetic, Scientific and Social) and five comparative criteria (Provenance, Rarity, Representativeness, Condition, Interpretive Capacity). Resource updated 2021.
Purposes and policies
Learn to write a mission statement and collections policy for your museum, gallery or library. By re:Collections (page 7).
Collection management
These resources by the Western Australian Museum covers such topics as: interventive conservation, preventive conservation, accessioning, disposal, loans, policies, finance, and disaster planning.
Collections management
Advice and guidance from Museums Galleries Scotland, UK, that includes: the importance of research, disposal, human remains in museums, etc.
Condition reporting
Condition reporting is a valuable tool for managing collections. This guide offers a systematic approach to reviewing the condition of items in your collection, as well as a consistent framework, and a set of terms for making useful reports. Published by National Services Te Paerangi, New Zealand, 2010.
Collection surveys and condition reporting
Understand the value of examining and recording the condition of your collection and individual items in the collection. By re:Collections (page 39).
Protecting movable cultural heritage
In Australia, national and foreign cultural heritage is protected by our laws. Australian cultural property objects are significant to the nation’s identity. It is important all cultural heritage items are imported and exported legally. Fact sheet by the Australian Government.
Preventive conservation
Conservation planning
Museums and galleries have a responsibility to care for their collections, and part of the effective care of your collection is – knowing what the risks to your collection are and having a plan that outlines how you are going to minimise these risks. Updated by Australian Museums and Galleries Association (Victoria), 2025.
Preservation planning for large collections
This information guide explains how preservation planning determines how to care for the collection now and into the future. Guide written by the State Library of Queensland, updated 2022.
Conservation and lighting
This info sheet covers the steps to take to reduce light damage to collections and displays such as reducing the amount of visible light, reducing the time of exposure and eliminating non-visible radiation. Written by Scottish Museums Council, adapted by Australian Museums and Galleries Association (Victoria), 2025.
Technical preservation handbook
Written by the National Film and Sound Archive, this handbook covers a wide range of preservation subjects including film construction, identification storage and damage.
Acquisitions and deaccessioning
Acquisition fact sheet
This fact sheet takes you through the formal process of obtaining legal possession by purchase, donation or through bequest of an item. Fact sheet by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Acquisitions and significance
Knowing the significance of an object can help institutions set priorities for work programs and the allocation of resources. Resource by re:Collections (page 27).
Deed of gifts form
You can use this template to document the transfer of ownership of donated objects. Template by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Australian best practice guide to collecting cultural material
This guide describes the ethical and legal issues that museums, galleries and libraries need to consider when they acquire or borrow cultural material. Published by the Australian Government, 2015.
Collections rationalisation
Watch this short animation to begin the first steps in organising your collections. Uploaded by SHARE Museums East, UK, 2015.
How to collect the history of your area
Written by Manitoba Historical Society, this resource suggests some materials to collect that illustrate the story of your local area. To be used by historical societies as a starting point.
Disposal toolkit: guidelines for museums
This toolkit provides detailed advice on the process of identifying appropriate items for disposal, and ensuring that their removal from a museum collection is ethical. Published by Museums Association, UK, 2020.
Deaccessioning and disposal
This fact sheet takes you through the process of deaccessioning and disposing of objects in your collection. Fact sheet by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Collection care, storage & handling
Caring for collections
These demonstration videos include such topics as: how to house your collection; how to store your collection safely; how to safely handle your collection; and care of textiles and metals. Resources by the State Library of Queensland.
Looking after your collections
These information guides offer advice on preserving and storing your precious items. Guides include: paper-based items; books and bound material; parchment; photographs; digital prints; magnetic media; motion picture film; and preservation planning for large collections. Guides by the State Library of Queensland.
Collections care
This factsheet is for those new to museum work. It explains what collections care is, the reasons behind it, why it is important, the activities involved and the responsibilities of the museum managers and governing body. Written by Australian Museums and Galleries Association (Victoria).
Collections care manual
This online resource was developed for smaller organisations and private collectors. It includes a series of 12 instructional videos and book Conservation and Care of Collections, providing information on general conservation techniques.
Topics include: box making; dust and brush vacuuming; freezing objects; handling objects; integrated pest management; labelling; light control; mould; storage basics; storage materials; temperature and relative humidity; and textile storage. Resources by the Western Australian Museum.
Collections care
Advice and guidance from Museums Galleries Scotland, UK, that includes: protecting textiles, paper collections, photographic collections, preserving paintings and frames, and metal care.
The effects of storage and display materials on objects
Storage and display materials can cause corrosion, discolouration or deterioration of objects. The advice describes what display materials should be paired with collection materials for safe storage and display. Written by Museums Galleries Scotland, UK.
How to handle paper, paintings and framed objects
This how-to guide explains the necessary steps to properly handle paper, paintings and framed objects. Guide written by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Packing museum objects: a collections care how to guide
This publication explains how good packing will provide long term support and protection and is a cost-effective method of collections care. Published by SHARE Museums East, UK, 2012.
Collection tips and guides – materials
These resources contain information concerning the care of some of the most common cultural materials including: electronic information media; leather; outdoor collections; metals; paintings; paper; wood; photographs; textiles; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural material; and books. Resources by re:Collections.
Collection tips and guides – damage and decay
Topics include: light and ultraviolet radiation; humidity and temperature; common deterioration processes; biological pests; and dust and pollutants. Resources by re:Collections.
MuseumPests.net
The goal of this website is to be the most comprehensive source of information and support for those implementing integrated pest management policies and procedures in collections-holding and cultural heritage institutions. Website by the Integrated Pest Management Working Group.
Handling, transportation, storage and display
Learn how vulnerable objects are when they are being handled, know the ideal conditions for storing and displaying mixed collections of objects, and understand the need to protect objects from fluctuations in environmental conditions when moving them from one climatic zone to another. Resources by re:Collections.
Creating or improving stores
This factsheet outlines aspects that should be taken into account when designing, creating or improving a store. It concentrates on the general principles of good museum storage. This factsheet has been adapted for use in Australia by Sarah Slade for Museums Australia (Victoria) with kind permission from the Scottish Museums Council.
Environmental monitoring
Advice and guidance from Museums Galleries Scotland, UK, that includes: environmental monitoring, light and UV radiation, identifying and reducing air pollution, and temperature and humidity in museums.
Temperature and humidity
Temperature, humidity, light levels and air quality all need to be controlled. This factsheet deals with the effects of temperature and humidity. Written by Scottish Museums Council, adapted by Australian Museums and Galleries Association (Victoria), 2003.
Hazardous materials in museum collections
This resource is a list of the sorts of materials in general museum collections that may present a danger, either to museum workers and visitors, or to other objects in the collection. Written by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Digitisation
Fact Sheet: Digitising Collections – Copyright Essentials
Public galleries are increasingly digitising their collections and making them available online to the community for viewing and research, including on third party websites like Victorian Collections or Trove. When doing so, they must deal fairly and respectfully with the rights of artists. Some of the key issues to consider are detailed in this fact sheet.
This Fact Sheet has been developed by the Arts Law Centre of Australia and supported by The Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Ten pointers and sources to help small museums
This resource provides ten pointers, along with links to resources, to help guide small museums with digitising their collections. Written by Dr Kate Gahan, for M&G QLD 2022.
Planning your digitisation project
This infosheet, produced by Victorian Collections provides insight into the planning of time, skills, equipment and funding necessary to undertake a digititsation project. Resource updated 2021.
Digitisation Toolkit
The Digitisation Toolkit describe the considerations for planning a successful digitisation program. Published by State Library of Queensland.
How to digitise your collection
This video takes you through the right options to safely digitise and document your heritage collections. Video by the State Library of Queensland.
Specialist techniques for digitisation
This video shows some of the equipment and techniques that are used to digitise SLQ’s collections. Video by the State Library of Queensland.
Crystal clear
Standards and guidance for digitising regional collections held in museums, galleries, keeping places and cultural centres. Published by Museums & Galleries of NSW, 2019.
Photographing collection items
This video by Australian Museums and Galleries Association (Victoria) demonstrates ways in which you can use basic equipment to photograph your collection items for documentation and digitisation purposes.
How to digitise your collection
These resources by Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa offer an introduction to digital imaging for museums and galleries through informative videos and PDF guides.
A guide to digitisation: user guide
This resource is designed to help you develop digitisation processes for your organisation. Guide by SHARE Museums East, UK.
Making collections accessible
This report is designed to assist historical societies in three key areas associated with the development of a useable digital collection: cataloguing, creating a digital collection, access and discoverability. Written by Federation of Australian Historical Societies, 2018.
Just digitise it: Information for community groups about how to digitise photographs and paper records
This document will help you prioritise digitisation projects based on the size of the job, what condition the original record is in and how much you know about a record. Written by Public Record Office Victoria.
Online collections copyright
This resource, produced by Victorian Collections provides general advice about copyright duration and the appropriateness of online publication. Resource updated 2021.
Sources for copyright research and location rights holders
Government Sources
Digitised Newspapers
Family History Websites
Professional Organisations
Rights Management Organisations
Searching for copyright or copyright renewals
Further assistance
M&G QLD Consultant & Supplier Register
M&G QLD’s Consultant and Supplier Register is a comprehensive list of museum and gallery sector specialists, both Queensland-based and nationally.
Directory of conservators
The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material’s directory of conservators in private practice lists over 65 members in Australia.
List of approved valuers: cultural gifts program
This list by the Australian Government contains the contact details and specialisms of approved Valuers across the country.
Funding
Find related funding in our Grants & Philanthropic funding resource.
Resources are correct at time of publishing. Is there a resource that should be on this page? Let us know.
Enquiries
Ben O’Dwyer
Information Officer, Museums & Galleries Queensland
Consultant & supplier register
Facility management & development
Use these resources to learn about facility management in your museum or gallery such as workplace health and safety and energy efficiency.
Facilities
The Burra Charter
The Burra Charter provides a best practice standard for managing cultural heritage places in Australia. Published by the International Council of Monuments and Sites, 2013.
Security in museums, archives and libraries: a practical guide
This guide outlines security guidance and operational procedures in museums, archives and libraries, including information on security staffing, government indemnity, criminal activity, alarms, fires and bombs. By The Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries, UK, 2003.
Access checklists
The following are a collection of practical checklists by Access Arts Australia for arts and cultural organisations to assist in improving access and developing audiences.
How can your museum better welcome families with a wheelchair user?
Kids in Museums believes museums are for everyone. But families with a wheelchair user find that some museums are much better than others at making them feel more welcome and included in everything there is to see and do. Resource by Kids in Museums, UK.
Choose Art
Choose Art is a website designed for and by Deaf and disabled people. Find accessible arts programs, opportunities and events across Australia.
Retail & Hospitality
Retail Shop
This resource offers ways to develop and manage a retail space as a profitable service at your museum or gallery.
Café
This resource covers what to consider when reviewing an existing museum café or thinking of introducing a catering offer for the first time to ensure profitability.
Workplace health & safety
Hazards in collections
These examples of workplace health and safety procedures are to be used as a guide when working with potentially hazardous materials in collections.
Hazardous materials in museum collections
This resource is a list of the sorts of materials in general museum collections that may present a danger, either to museum workers and visitors, or to other objects in the collection. Written by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Risk management fact sheet
This fact sheet will help you to develop a risk management policy and systems to implement it. Developed by Museums & Galleries Queensland, 2012.
Risk management fact sheet
The purpose of risk management is to make the museum, gallery or keeping place a safe place to work in and visit. It is an essential decision-making tool for managing risks to health, the environment and the collections. Resource by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Energy efficiency
A practical guide for sustainable climate control and lighting in museums and galleries
This document aims to assist the sector to make informed decisions around viable, economically and environmentally sustainable methods of exhibitions practice and collections care by identifying appropriate technologies, products and systems.
Prepared by leading consultancy firms Steensen Varming and International Conservation Services, this document is informed by national and international theory and practice. Resource by Museums & Galleries Queensland, 2nd edition, 2015.
Sustainable lighting in museums and galleries explained
This interview with Julian Bickersteth, International Conservation Services, provides an introductory overview of A practical guide for sustainable climate control and lighting in museums and galleries.
A case study on lighting for museums and galleries
This resource provides museums and galleries with five real-life examples to assist when upgrading or replacing their institution’s lighting systems. Prepared by Steensen Varming, 2015.
Clever Custodians
Prepared by respected industry consultants, Timeline Heritage, Clever Custodians is an energy efficiency resource combining factsheets, short films and links to other online resources that aim to assist our small-to-medium museum and gallery sector to reduce their operating expenses and carbon foot, and to improve their long-term sustainability.
Clever Custodians is an initiative of Museums & Galleries Queensland (M&G QLD) developed in partnership with Museums & Galleries of New South Wales (M&G NSW), Regional and Public Galleries Association of New South Wales (RPG NSW) and Regional Galleries Association of Queensland (RGAQ).
Please note that the link to the Clever Custodians website is no longer active. The films and resources created for this initiative can be accessed below.
This Activity received funding from the Department of Industry and Science as a part of the Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program and was supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments.
Disclaimers:
The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for any information or advice contained herein.
These resources were primarily intended to provide guidance for facilities staff and volunteers at museums, galleries, cultural and archival facilities. They are not intended to be exhaustive or definitive. It is recommended for users of this resource to exercise their own professional judgement and consult suitably qualified professionals when deciding whether to abide by or depart from it.
Technical Industry Report on Museum and Gallery Lighting and Air Conditioning
This report informs galleries and museums on future options for economical and environmentally sustainable display and lighting environments, and the preservation and storage of art and cultural material, using appropriate technology, products and systems which comply with recent government legislations. Commissioned by M&G QLD in partnership with Regional and Public Galleries New South Wales, 2011.
The GreenGallery Guide
GreenGallery assists gallery owners and managers to identify simple changes to make in galleries that will save energy and water, reduce waste, and help artists and clients to live more sustainable and healthy lives.
Further assistance
M&G QLD Consultant & Supplier Register
M&G QLD’s Consultant and Supplier Register is a comprehensive list of museum and gallery sector specialists, both Queensland-based and nationally.
LPG Fire Australia
A leading supplier of inert and synthetic gas suppression systems, water mist and spray systems, fixed foam systems, oxygen reduction systems and speciality detection systems.
Arts Access Australia
The national peak body of State and Territory arts and disability organisations working to increase access and participation in the arts for the one in five Australians with a disability.
Resources are correct at time of publishing. Is there a resource that should be on this page? Let us know.
Enquiries
Ben O’Dwyer
Information Officer, Museums & Galleries Queensland
Funding
Museums & Galleries Queensland has compiled a list of grant opportunities available for museums, galleries and other cultural organisations in Queensland.
Funding categories
Click on each category below to download a PDF of available grants. The funding opportunities are organised into the following categories with examples of activities each category could fund:
Documents updated: February 2025
Capital Works
Upgrades to infrastructure; construction of new buildings; facility and accessibility improvements.
Collections
Acquisition/purchase of significant objects; conservation and preservation; interpretation; collection documentation and storage; significance assessment; collection research.
Disaster Recovery
Support to areas affected by a natural disaster including equipment, infrastructure, etc; disaster preparedness.
Equipment
Equipment purchase or hire; renewable energy and sustainability; staff/volunteer training; planning and governance; information technology and support.
First Nations
Development of new exhibitions; audience engagement projects; language preservation and education; commissioning artworks; professional development.
Projects & Touring
Development of new exhibitions; audience engagement projects; commissioning artworks; skills development; community arts/heritage or similar projects; exhibition development and touring support.
Useful resources
Creative Australia
Creative Australia was established to offer a resource hub for the facilitation of business partnerships, social investment and philanthropy for the cultural and creative sectors.
They run workshops and provide publications aimed at developing skills at securing private funding for the arts.
Funding Centre
The Funding Centre is an online fundraising hub and initiative of Our Community. The site contains free and members-only content covering a range of topics including grants, donations, crowdfunding, fundraising, memberships, sales and sponsorship.
Grants and programs finder
This Australian Government website provides searchable online resources of Commonwealth grants for community groups, individuals and businesses.
Community Grants Hub
The Community Grants Hub administers community-based grants on behalf of Australian Government departments, agencies and organisations.
Philanthropy Australia: Directory of funders
The Directory is an essential resource for not-for-profit organisations, charities and community groups. It features tips on how to apply for grants, write submissions, and important tax information to help grant-seekers understand what needs to be supplied to foundations in any application for funding.
This resource provides an alphabetical listing of more than 350 trusts and foundations along with information on their purpose, fields of interest, contact details and other information. It is available for purchase via the Philanthropy Australia website, which also has free online resources in its Tools & Resources section.
Australian Taxation Office
The ATO website provides information about Income Tax Exempt Charity (ITEC) and Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, along with other tax issues relevant to non-profit organisations.
Disclaimer:
This listing does not include: awards, prizes, or scholarships; sponsorship opportunities; or funding for for-profit businesses.
These resources are intended as a starting point only and do not necessarily represent all levels of funding available to any particular group. This information is also subject to change. Grant seekers should check the funding body’s website for updated information and submission dates and speak to the fund’s contact officer before applying.
Enquiries
Ben O’Dwyer
Information Officer, Museums & Galleries Queensland
First Nations
What steps can you take to encourage respect, understanding and acknowledgement of First Nations culture and history?
Protocols
First Peoples: A roadmap for enhancing Indigenous engagement in museums and galleries
The Roadmap was developed for the museums and galleries sector, in consultation with the sector. The Roadmap is committed to improving Indigenous engagement and employment. Published by Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA).
Cultural Engagement Framework
The First Nations Arts and Cultures Panel and Arts Queensland have collaborated to develop a Cultural Engagement Framework – Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures in Queensland. This Framework aims to inform and guide respectful engagement with First Nations peoples, organisations and communities in the development and presentation of arts and cultural work.
Code of ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research
Published in 2020 by Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), this document outlines four principles that underpin ethical Australian Indigenous research; these are: Indigenous self-determination, Indigenous leadership, impact and value, and sustainability and accountability. Each principle frames a set of responsibilities for researchers, institutions and review bodies when conducting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research.
Impacts of COVID-19 on First Nations Arts and Culture
This paper outlines the immediate and longer term needs, concerns and potentially catastrophic impacts for First Nations arts and culture in light of COVID-19.
Aboriginal Arts and Culture Protocols
Driven by self-determination, these protocols have been developed as a series of suggested questions within five key principles that Aboriginal artists, arts workers and organisations should consider as a minimum standard. Written by Create NSW.
Working with Aboriginal people and communities
In developing this resource, the best elements of existing practices have been combined to develop a resource that provides a consistent approach to working with Aboriginal people and communities. By NSW Department of Community Services, 2009.
Cataloguing Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander items
This information sheet is intended for use by Victorian collecting institutions and refers to specific Victorian legal obligations and restrictions regarding the ownership, management and use of Aboriginal cultural heritage. However, this information sheet can still be used as a guide for non Victorian-based collecting institutions.
Taking the time: museums and galleries, cultural protocols and communities
This resource guide is aimed mainly at non-Indigenous cultural heritage workers in small museums throughout Australia who wish to work with their culturally diverse communities, including Indigenous communities. Published by Australian Museums and Galleries Association (Queensland), 1998.
Artists, artwork and reappropriation
Indigenous Art Code
The Indigenous Art Code was developed to promote fair and ethical trade in works of art by Indigenous artists.
Fake Art Harms Culture
Fake Art Harms Culture is a campaign to lobby the Australian Government to address the proliferation of fake Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and art products.
Protocols for using First Nations cultural and intellectual property in the arts
This protocol guide spells out clearly the legal as well as the ethical and moral considerations for the use of Indigenous cultural material in arts and cultural projects. By Australia Council for the Arts, 2019.
Indigenous cultural and intellectual property
Written by Arts+Law, this information sheet refers to the rights that Indigenous people have, and want to have, to protect their traditional arts and culture.
Indigenous cultural protocols and the arts
A book of case studies that are based around the Australia Council for the Arts Indigenous Protocols. The case studies each represent best practice when working with Indigenous Australians on arts projects. By Terri Janke and Company Pty Ltd, 2016.
Acknowledgement
Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country
In working respectfully with Indigenous communities, there are several important protocols worth knowing and understanding. Factsheets by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia
This map by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies is an attempt to represent all the language, tribal or nation groups of the Indigenous peoples of Australia.
Repatriation
A repatriation handbook: A guide to repatriating Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains
This handbook is primarily intended for those people active in the repatriation of ancestral remains to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities — in particular, those who are newly engaged in such processes. To aid this aim, it is written in a format intended to allow the user to identify and look up certain topics or issues without having to read the handbook cover-to-cover each time. Published by the National Museum of Australia, 2020.
Repatriation of cultural material
This resource by Simpsons Solicitors covers the legal implications of repatriation. Topics include: types of repatriation claim, role of law in resolving repatriation claims, repatriation of human remains and sacred material, and the repatriation process.
Australian Government policy on Indigenous repatriation
The Australian Government policy on Indigenous repatriation was established in 2011. In 2016, it was updated to reflect the change in department name.
Further assistance
National Indigenous Visual Arts Action Plan 2021-25
The National Indigenous Visual Arts Action Plan sets the Australian Government’s priorities to support the visual arts sector over the next five years.
National Indigenous Arts and Cultural Authority (NIACA)
The First Nations arts and cultural sector has identified a significant gap in existing structures and is working towards agreement to create a NIACA.
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)
Australia’s only national institution focused exclusively on the diverse history, cultures and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia.
Phone: 02 6246 1111
Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA)
IACA is the peak body that provides high quality services and resources that supports excellence within Indigenous Art Centres of Far North Queensland.
Phone: 07 4031 2741
Email: [email protected]
M&G QLD Consultant & Supplier Register
M&G QLD’s Consultant and Supplier Register is a comprehensive list of museum and gallery sector specialists, both Queensland-based and nationally.
Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA)
AMaGA is the national association and peak advocacy body representing museums and galleries.
Phone: 02 6230 0346
Email: [email protected]
Funding
Find related funding in our Grants and Philanthropic funding resource.
Resources are correct at time of publishing. Is there a resource that should be on this page? Let us know.
Enquiries
Ben O’Dwyer
Information Officer, Museums & Galleries Queensland
National standards
The National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries is focused on key areas of activity common to organisations that care for collections and provide collection-based services to the community.
National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries
Are you looking for a comprehensive list of standards and resources on museum practice? The National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries contains links to many resources on best practice. Areas covered include:
- Managing the museum
- Involving people
- Developing a significant collection
National Standards 2.0
The National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries is focused on key areas of activity common to organisations that care for collections and provide collection, exhibition and program-based services to the community. The National Standards aim to support Australian museums, galleries and collecting organisations achieve their objectives, from high-level policy, planning and stakeholder liaison, to practical everyday activities.
The National Standards are managed and developed by the National Standards Taskforce, a voluntary committee comprised of representatives from state-based peak professional bodies for the sector, which represent multiple Standards and Accreditation programs.
In 2021, the Taskforce received funding from The Ian Potter Foundation to undertake a significant update of the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries. This project recognises that while there are key aspects of caring for collections and providing collection, exhibition and program-based services to the community that remain unchanged, much about the way in which museum and gallery work is done has evolved in the seven years since the National Standards were last updated.
The most significant update has been working to embed First Peoples engagement throughout the National Standards in line with the AMaGA and Terri Janke and Company publication, First Peoples: A Roadmap for Enhancing Indigenous Representation in Museums and Galleries. Consultants, Donna Biles Fernando, a woman of the Muruari and Ngemba people, with Debbie Abraham, were commissioned by the National Standards Taskforce to undertake a national consultative project, (re)Mapping National Standards Pathways. The consultative process included literature analysis, formation of a First Peoples Focus Group, a national survey completed by 211 organisations (representing a cross section of the gallery and museum sector), one-on-one conversations with cultural centres and Keeping Places and a review of survey findings and recommendations by the Focus Group. Further information about the consultative process and Focus Group is available in the (re)Mapping National Standards Pathways project report.
The new edition also includes updated content in areas such as copyright, digitisation, environmental sustainability, inclusive practice and online engagement, and a refreshed glossary and resources.
For enquiries relating to how the National Standards are used by Museums & Galleries Queensland, contact our Training and Professional Development Program Team.
For enquiries relating to the National Standards more broadly and the work of the National Standards Taskforce, contact the Taskforce secretariat, Museums and Galleries New South Wales.
(re)Mapping the National Standards Pathways
Consultants, Donna Biles Fernando, a woman of the Muruari and Ngemba people, with Debbie Abraham, were commissioned by Museums & Galleries Queensland (on behalf of the National Taskforce) to undertake a national consultative project, (re)Mapping National Standards Pathways, to embed First peoples’ engagement throughout the National Standards, particularly as identified in Terri Janke and Company’s ‘First Peoples: A Roadmap for Enhancing Indigenous Engagement in Museums and Galleries’ (commissioned by the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, 2018). The consultants acknowledge the work carried out in this purposeful and essential plan based on extensive research and consultation across the Country.
Key to (re)Mapping project consultation was to ensure First Peoples voices were integral to shaping the process and outcomes. To guarantee this, and from the outset, the Focus Group was established by contacting 30 First Peoples professional staff members from 23 key museums and galleries in all of the states and territories across the Country, to gauge their interest and availability in contributing to the process.
From this initial contact, a representative group of 14 First Peoples professional staff came together in late October 2021, and a further six joined the group in the review processes – all generously giving their time, knowledge and expertise.
During the initial consultative phase, the consultants contacted the Council of Australian Museum Directors (CAMD) and the Council of Australian Art Museum Directors (CAAMD) to canvas their support for the project, including the survey and staff Focus Group involvement. Other groups and service organisations, such as Contemporary Art Organisations Australia, were contacted by either the National Taskforce or by the consultants to ensure participation in the survey.
The consultative process included analysis of literature, Focus Group meetings, a national survey completed by 211 organisations (representing a cross section of the gallery and museum sector), one-on-one conversations with cultural centres and Keeping Places and a review of survey findings and recommendations by the Focus Group.
This way of working reflects the collective and genuine belief that the sector can move forward together to ensure strategies related to First Peoples engagement are firmly and practically embedded in the National Standards.
The consultants and Focus Group focused on key areas of activity common to organisations that care for collections and provide collection, exhibition and program-based services to the community. The project sought to support Australian galleries and museums to embed First people’s engagement while carrying out their day-to-day activities, meeting their responsibilities to their various stakeholders, attracting support, and achieving their other organisational objectives.
Further to this, areas particular to First Peoples culture, knowledge, moral, legal and intellectual rights, employment and cultural safety were either integrated into the National Standards or outlined as future actions, training or strategies in this report.
The (re)Mapping project, funded by the Ian Potter Foundation, reinforces the desire of First Peoples and the sector, to continue to work collaboratively towards an overall shared future, one in which our mutual histories embrace truth-telling with understanding, compassion and reverence, and one in which we look to arts and cultural organisations to lead the way openly and outwardly.
National Standards Taskforce
The National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries has been produced collaboratively by the National Standards Taskforce.
Funding Acknowledgement
Enquiries
Training & Professional Development Team
Museums & Galleries Queensland
