Transforming Collections Programme: Contemporary Collecting, 21 January 2026, online via zoom
Transforming Collections is a series of online sessions designed to help museums to think about how they can explore, question, and review collections and collections information collaboratively to build more inclusive collections development practices.
This session will explore how museums can approach ethical contemporary collecting to build more inclusive and representative collections.
Agenda
10.00: Welcome and Introductions
10.10: Ellie Miles, Curator at the London Transport Museum and Co-ordinator for the Contemporary Collecting Network
10.40: Jenny Mabbott, Head of Collections and Engagement at the People’s History Museum
10.55: Break-out Room Discussion: How are you, or might your museum, approach contemporary collecting? Do you need to:
- Identify gaps in collections?
- Reflect on your collections development policy?
- Who might you consult and collaborate with?
11.10: Break
11.20: Collections Trust will reflect on the Spectrum procedure Acquisition and Accessioning looking at ethical responsibilities and documentation processes in relation to contemporary collecting
11.35: Q&A
11.55: Closing Statements and Follow-up
Before the session it would be helpful if you could think about how and why you do, or might do, activities in your museum. This may include:
- Identifying gaps in existing collections
- Reflecting on contemporary life, stories, values, and historical oversights that might need to be overcome
- Reflecting on communities and groups you might want to develop connections with
- What associated materials, stories and intangible heritage you can capture alongside objects
Booking opens 1 November 2025. Details of future sessions and topics in this programme can be found here.
If you have any questions about the programme, please contact Sue Hughes sue.hughes@museumdevelopmentnorth.org.uk.