The Atkinson has been chosen as one of only 15 museums across the country, to join the new national Happy Museum Affiliate Scheme.
The Happy Museum is a new way of thinking about museums and the role they can have in society. It provides a leadership framework for museums to increase their impact on individual wellbeing and community sustainability. Each Affiliate will take part in a tailored introductory workshop and a peer developed programme of seminars, exhibitions, workshops, placements and other events.
The Atkinson, Southport’s arts complex will benefit from being part of a supportive and collaborative network of major organisations including Oxford University Museums, the Design Museum London, National Trust Midlands and Chester Zoo.
Emma Anderson, Director of The Atkinson, said; “This opportunity has come at the perfect time for us. We are thinking in new ways about how we work with communities and with families across the borough, and the Happy Museum network will support us by sharing new, radical ideas and ways of working, and by connecting us with some fantastic organisations. The network is also concerned with big issues such as climate change and social justice, and these themes are embedded within Sefton’s 2030 vision.”
Happy Museum is a nationally recognised organisation that believes in the diversity and sharing of practice –connecting learning with the arts, heritage, social services, the third sector, digital, design and beyond. Launched in 2011 Happy Museum has been working to create exciting new museum programmes and partnerships for the future.
For more information on the Happy Museum Project please visit happymuseumproject.org