Elliot Simmonds to Attend AIM Conference 2024 at Black Country Living Museum
Elliot Simmonds, Culture and Heritage Lead at M·E·L Research, will be attending the 2024 AIM Conference at the Black Country Living Museum. The conference, taking place on June 13-14, is a prominent event for the UK’s museum and heritage sector, bringing together professionals to discuss critical issues, share knowledge, and explore innovative approaches to community engagement and museum management.
Conference Highlights
The two-day event will commence with a welcome address from Andrew Lovett OBE, AIM Chair and Chief Executive of the Black Country Living Museum, followed by Dr Paul Belford, Chair of the Black Country Living Museum. The keynote address by Joseph Galliano-Doig MBE, from Queer Britain, will set the stage for discussions on inclusivity and community engagement in the museum sector.
The conference features a variety of sessions, including panel discussions, breakout sessions, and workshops. Topics range from community engagement and ethical practices to the use of technology in heritage storytelling.
M·E·L Research’s Recent Contributions
Emotions in Museums
M·E·L Research are attending the conference for the third year in a row, haivng presented at the previous two events. In 2023, M·E·L Research, in collaboration with AIM and Art Fund, conducted pioneering work on “Emotions in Museums“. This research led to the development of a new model for understanding emotional engagement with museum audiences. The findings of this research have had a significant impact on how some museums approach audience engagement, focusing on pleasure, connection, and purpose. This model will be discussed during the conference in a presentation by the Brunel Museum, highlighting its practical applications and benefits.
In addition to our work on emotional engagement, M·E·L Research is currently collaborating with AIM to explore how museums manage land and landscapes, including both blue and green spaces. This research aims to understand the barriers and enablers to engaging audiences with these natural environments. The outcomes of this study will inform strategies for enhancing social, financial, and cultural benefits derived from these spaces.
Further information on this exploratory research – and a sign-up form to take part – can be found on the M·E·L Research website.
Summing Up
You can speak to Elliot about one or both of these projects at the conference, or email him now to setup a conversation about these, or our wider work in the museums, culture and heritage sector.
For more information on the AIM Conference programme and to follow updates, please visit the official AIM website.
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