National Museums NI has launched an ambitious five-year corporate strategy aimed at tackling pressing contemporary issues, including cultural identity and the climate crisis, through its vast collection of 1.4 million objects across five sites in Northern Ireland.
The national museum service, which encompasses key attractions such as the Ulster Museum in Belfast, the Ulster Folk Museum and Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra, and the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh, has outlined four central areas of focus that align with government priorities:
Identity – Promoting the visibility and respect of diverse and evolving cultural identities.
Peacebuilding – Facilitating courageous conversations to support the ongoing transition from conflict to lasting peace.
Environment – Leveraging museums and collections to drive environmental action and safeguard the planet.
Innovation – Offering a platform to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence, and creativity needed for success.
The strategy not only emphasizes the significance of these areas but also highlights the museum service’s ongoing efforts and plans to expand its impact over the next five years.
In a groundbreaking move, National Museums NI engaged in a public consultation to help shape the direction of its strategy. Gordon Milligan, the chair of National Museums NI, expressed his gratitude for the support, stating, “It was incredibly heartening to see strong and positive endorsement for the vision we have outlined. This reflects not only a shared belief in the power of museums but also the trust placed in us to deliver meaningful change.”
As part of its forward-looking approach, National Museums NI is also progressing with substantial redevelopment plans for all four museums. Notably, a £50 million overhaul of the Ulster Folk Museum is underway. The Ulster American Folk Park is set to benefit from a £750,000 funding boost from Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, aimed at strengthening the heritage ties between Northern Ireland and the United States.
Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, expressed enthusiasm about the future, saying, “We are excited for this new chapter, with ambitious plans that can strengthen our impact and secure a bright future for our organisation. In a world that is constantly changing, our museums are forums for new conversations, new ideas, and new ways to understand each other and the world we live in.”
