Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act

September 2018 Welsh museums meeting the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act goals 2

Museums can help shape its future Sophie Howe, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, on the role museums play

Welsh museums are already Museums and galleries are However, there is much more decrease in levels of young doing so much to support offering support for people to do and I hope that all the people attending an arts event the integrated goals of the with dementia, providing museums and galleries in once a year or more. How can Future Generations Act, as the opportunities for people to Wales take inspiration from the culture sector do more to examples on the following volunteer, offering training the efforts of the six museums involve young people in the pages show. Across the sector, and education, getting showcased here. They have arts and make it relevant to there is a huge amount of children and families worked together to focus on their lives and how can we good work going on, not just engaged, bringing different what they are already doing help our mainstream public through museums traditional communities together, and to meet the Wellbeing of services to see them as an role as guardians of our past celebrating Welsh culture, Future Generations Act goals asset? but also in how they can help language and heritage. and to identify ways they us shape our future. could do more. If we are to make museums – places that are typically seen In keeping with the as places that house relics of “Here in Wales, we are sustainable development the past – relevant for the unique in being one of the principles, they are working future, we must be innovative few countries that include collaboratively and taking a in the ways we engage and long-term view. Encouragingly, inspire, and collaborate ‘cultural well-being’ in our many of the projects effectively with the public definition of sustainable have strong community sector; ensuring we are acting development.” participation and engagement today for a better tomorrow. – and many involve young Sophie Howe people. Engaging young people is a key challenge for the sector. The Arts Council of Wales’ 2016 Children’s Omnibus Survey showed a 5.8% Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 3

About this project Contents To engage and respond to the ambitious Future Generations Act goals, six 1. Introduction page 4 Welsh museums teamed up 2. What we did – the steps we took page 5 with the Happy Museum project to deepen their 3. Happy Museum thinking and the Future Generations Act page 6 understanding of the 4. An overview of how museums are already responding to the Act page 8 Act, review the ways in which they were already 5. Goal-by-goal – example of existing activities from the six museums page 9 responding to the goals, 6. Going to the next level – new projects focused on the seven goals page 24 and plan new activities and ways of working that would 7. What we learned – advice for other museums page 30 take their response to the 8. Useful links and resources page 31 next level. The aim is to make the goals integral to everything they do. “Working with the Happy “ Museum plays “Museums across Wales have “Working with Happy Museum Museum has helped us to an essential role in our an important role to play in and other Welsh museums has This project was led by respond to the goals of the community, for the people delivering the Well-being helped me to focus and think Museums Future Generations Act – it has who live here and for our many of Future Generations Act, more strategically about the Service, and supported given us a good framework for visitors. As this report shows, and this goes far beyond the Future Generations Act. It has by the responding to the Act.” the team at the museum – specific goal related to a made the goals real for me.” through an accreditation and their colleagues across thriving culture. Museums have support grant from the Wales – are bringing passion the potential to deliver against Federation of Museums and Carrie Canham, Ceredigion Karen Teasdale, Museum and creativity to the task of all of the goals, as has been so Museum Art Galleries of Wales. The delivering the ambitious goals clearly demonstrated within other participant museums of the Wellbeing of Future this report.” are: Story Museum, Generations Act.” , Oriel Môn, Storiel and Wrexham Jason Thomas, Director, Culture, Sport and Tourism. Museum. Councillor Gareth Lloyd, Ceredigion County Council Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government Welsh museums meeting the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act goals 4 1. Introduction

Since 2011, the Happy Three Welsh museums* had the lives and well-being of support grant from the “The most ambitious Museum project has long-standing involvement people here in Wales, today, Federation of Museums and piece of legislation that stimulated and supported with Happy Museum (HM) and for every tomorrow to Art Galleries of Wales. The the Welsh Government museum practice that – and saw the potential for come.” The commissioner other participant museums places wellbeing within an the learning from HM’s seven spoke of a “culture change” are: , has ever attempted. It will environmental and future- years of innovation and being need to address the Ceredigion Museum, Oriel require a fundamental shift facing frame, rethinking the experimentation to help other challenges of changing times. Môn, Storiel and Wrexham in how we seek to tackle role that museums can play in Welsh museums respond to County Borough Museum creating more resilient people, the ambitions of the Future The six Welsh museums and Archives. our biggest challenges as a teamed up with the Happy nation.” places and planet (more on Generations Act. page 6). Museum project to: “Supporting museums to The Act was described by achieve the Wellbeing Goals one minister as “the most • deepen their understanding is a key part of our grant ambitious piece of legislation of their Future Generations programme – and a great that the Welsh Government Act obligations; fit with HM principles,” said has ever attempted. It will • review the ways in John Marjoram, Development require a fundamental shift which they were already Officer for the Federation in how we seek to tackle responding to the goals, of Museums & Art Galleries our biggest challenges as a and; of Wales. “We hope that nation.” the evidence gained by the • plan new activities and participating museums will Future Generations embed ways of working be used by other museums in Commissioner for Wales, that would take their Wales.” Sophie Howe, said the act response to the next level. “is just what was needed to unsettle the status quo, ruffle This project was led by a few feathers, and bring Monmouthshire Museums public services back to the Service, and supported by the Welsh Government * Ceredigion Museum, Gwynedd Museum purpose they were set up for (now Storiel) and Monmouthshire’s in the first place – to improve through an accreditation Museum. Welsh museums meeting the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act goals 5 2. What we did – the steps we took

Already long engaged in The Act and the existing work against the Act’s communities. Details of the responding to the Wellbeing Happy Museum goals and the HM principles, new projects focused on the of Future Generations Act detailing the programmes and Act’s goals can be found on goals, the six museums sought principles activities they already offer, page 24. fresh impetus and insights The project kicked off with as well as the opportunities through this partnership a workshop hosted by and challenges they face. Peer support – a with the Happy Museum Cardiff Story Museum where Examples of existing activities ‘community of project. The museums began from the six museums that representatives of the six practice’ by briefing the HM team museums and the Happy respond to the goals can be and sharing examples of Museum team explored what found on page 8. Throughout the project, each innovative practice linked to the goals mean for museums, museum benefitted from the the goals. and identified synergies New projects themed support and expertise of their In turn, the team worked with between the goals and the around the goals colleagues in other museums. the six museums to explore HM principles. The HM team They also had access to the Having reviewed their the Act through the lens of (and the three Welsh museums wider HM community of situation and current offering, the HM’s own principles. already involved in HM practice, with representatives the six museums each The aim was to develop a activities) shared examples of of some of the museums identified a new programme narrative from the museums’ innovative museum practice attending themed workshops of work that would fill a perspective on how to embed themed around wellbeing, during 2018 and a residential gap or boost their ability to the thinking behind the seven resilience and sustainability symposium bringing together respond to the goals. Several Future Generations Act goals, and community engagement. museum and cultural of the museums decided in order to meet the Act’s practitioners from across they wanted to focus on requirement for continuous Reviewing current the UK. new ways of evaluating improvement. activities the impact of their work Subsequent sessions saw against the goals, while each museum team work others chose ways to deepen separately (with support from their focus on wellbeing, Happy Museum) to review or their engagement with Welsh museums meeting the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act goals 6 3. Happy Museum thinking and the Future Generations Act

Launched in 2011, the Re-imagining Inspiration from real Happy Museum Project museums for a practice provides a leadership framework for museums that changing world The museums were then places wellbeing within an When it comes to museums, able to tap into a substantial environmental and future- the ambitions of Wales’ Future body of museum practice facing frame, rethinking the Generations Act goals and developed to meet the HM role that museums can play. the Ways of Working closely principles which had a direct relevance to the goals – and HM takes a view of align with HM thinking and get a new perspective on how sustainability which looks its guiding Principles. During their current activities were beyond financial and resource the project, the museums and meeting the seven goals. management and considers the HM team mapped the a museum’s role as steward principles against the Future Real examples of small-budget of people, place and planet, Generations Acts goals and projects directed at increasing supporting institutional and Ways of Working. wellbeing, resilience, community wellbeing and sustainability and community resilience in the face of global engagement were invaluable financial and environmental for the six Welsh museums challenges. as they planned their own projects that would take their response to the Act to the next level (details of those projects can be found on page 24). Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 7

HM principles wheel

A more sustainable Value the future planet environment, be (politicians, businesses etc.) a steward of the future as well as Museums rethinking the past what matters Measure what (wider cultural and third sector) matters Pursue mutual Happy resilient relationships Impacts people Be an active ripple out (audiences/communities citizen and partners) Create the conditions for Happy resilient wellbeing teams Learn together (staff/volunteers) for resilience Welsh museums meeting the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act goals 8 4. How Welsh museums are already responding to the Act

Through long-established Meeting the Act’s Museums bring people activities and ways of seven goals together, they are social working, the museums and spaces that bridge galleries of Wales are already Museums are significant intergenerational divides, they aligned with and support the participants in and drivers of encourage the participation of ambitious goals that the Future the economies of the cities, diverse communities. Generations Act of 2015 set towns and communities they Museums provide for all public services. This operate in. page summarises a few ways opportunities to work, learn, that museums are aready They are a draw for visitors participate and volunteer – responding to the goals. and tourists – communities often for the groups of people Examples of practice from the and local businesses benefit who would not otherwise find six museums begin on page 10. from a thriving museum. them: the elderly, job-seekers, young people and those with Museums are ethical disabilities. enterprises with a conservation mindset rooted Museums have partnerships in long-term thinking. Energy with a very wide range of saving and environment organisations and agencies – sustainability are priorities. from schools and charities, to service providers and branches They play a role in improving of government. the wellbeing of audiences and visitors. Many are active Promoting and celebrating in reaching out to vulnerable Welsh culture, heritage and disadvantaged groups. and language are what the museums of Wales are all about. Welsh museums meeting the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act goals 9 5. Goal-by-goal – examples from the six museums

A globally A prosperous responsible Wales Wales

A Wales of vibrant culture A resilient and thriving Wales

A Wales of cohesive A healthier communities Wales

A more equal Wales Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 10

GOAL 1: A prosperous Wales A prosperous Wales Ways that Welsh museums meet this goal: An innovative, productive Welsh museums and galleries they provide a much-needed report on Museums report Museums play an important and low carbon society are drivers in the local and draw, bringing in people from for the Welsh Government’s educational role, and some which recognises the limits national economy – as well as outside to the benefit of local Archives and Libraries Division. 30% of all visitors are children. of the global environment being participants. As cultural shops and other businesses. Museums created 1,199 full In 2015, Welsh museums and therefore uses enterprises they are employers time equivalent jobs across delivered nearly 10,000 formal resources efficiently and and provide valuable Visits to museums had a the country – and some 2,791 learning sessions on-site proportionately (including volunteering and training gross impact of £73.8m in the volunteer roles, which can and 400 outreach sessions, acting on climate change); opportunities, buy products economy in 2015, according boost wellbeing and develop reaching a total audience of and which develops a and services – but beyond this to the most recent Spotlite valuable skills. around 300,000 people. skilled and well-educated population in an economy Examples of activities that respond to this goal: which generates wealth and provides employment Ceredigion Museum – New Oriel Môn Museum – Monmouthshire Museums – opportunities, allowing Approaches project opportunities for local supporting local makers people people to take advantage Ceredigion Museum was In shop of the wealth generated a ‘hidden gem’ with no The museum employs there is an area dedicated for through securing decent street-level visibility and 12 people (11.5 FTE). The the ‘Made in Monmouthshire’ work. poor disabled access. ‘New museum shop is an important group of artisan makers and Approaches’ is the £1.3million outlet for craftspeople living producers. The display is first stage of its three stage in Anglesey and . changed every three months “Museums created 1,199 ‘Transformations’ project, this The main gallery hosts eight and gives some 16 local artists full time equivalent jobs first stage aims to: improve selling exhibitions a year the opportunity to showcase across the country – and resilience and sustainability; mostly featuring artists based their work at any one time. some 2,791 volunteer double visitor numbers, in the region. The ‘Art Studio’ Across all the museums, local improve access and broaden offers 52 artists a prominent suppliers are sought when roles, which can boost the audience, increase shop window for two weeks planning events and activities, wellbeing and develop community-focused activities, every year. and local products are sourced valuable skills.” and increase volunteer for the museum shops. numbers eightfold. Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 11

Measuring economic impact: A prosperous Wales All six museums are using an Oriel Môn - total gross visitor Storiel – following its move Monmouthshire Museums – Association of Independent impact was £2,335,749 in to a refurbished venue gross visitor impact for all the Museum’s Toolkit to measure 2015/16; total direct, indirect (thanks to HLF funding), the museums was £1,796,200 in economic impact. It defines and induced employment museum improved access 2018/19, employment impact three levels of impact – gross value of 16.63 jobs. to, and engagement with, was 9.7 jobs, and impact of visitor economic impact on its collections and increased spending was £70,561. area, impact of employment Cardiff Story Museum visitor numbers from 14,000 (number of jobs) and impact – gross visitor impact on to 82,812 in 2016/17, Ceredigion Museum – prior its of own spending. For example: the local economy was injecting £4,736,846 into the recent redevelopment, which £2,446,200 for 2017. local economy. aims to double visitor numbers, the gross visitor impact on the local economy was £349,628 Museum and Archives – in 2016/17. The calculation has gross visitor impact on the increased to £1,110,550 since local economy was £526,716 the new development was in 2017/18 and total opened in August 2017. The direct, indirect and induced total direct, indirect and induced employment of 16 jobs. number of jobs supported by the Museum is 10.5. Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 12

GOAL 2: A resilient Wales A Resilient Wales Ways that Welsh museums meet this goal: A nation which maintains Welsh museums and on environmentally friendly agents of change, building term perspective built in, and enhances a biodiverse galleries are protecting the lines, with many going beyond environmental awareness in museums are acutely aware natural environment environment, and supporting simply meeting environmental communities and audiences of their social, economic and with healthy functioning social and economic resilience regulations and policies. through exhibitions, activities, environmental responsibilities. ecosystems that support in a wide variety of ways. events, and creative use of social, economic and As ethical not-for-profit All the museums participating outdoor space. Rooted in ecological resilience and the organisations they are run in this project are active conservation, and with a long capacity to adapt to change (for example climate Examples of activities that respond to change). this goal: Ceredigion Museum – has sought advice on reducing Lighting Up the Past waste from the County Council’s Waste Management With funding from the Rural Officer, which has led to Communities Development improving recycling practices Fund and MALD, the museum and a significant reduction in recently completed their waste. In a separate initiative, ‘Lighting up the Past’ project water consumption has also to equip the museum with been significantly reduced. The a low energy, high-quality museum is also working on lighting infrastructure. an exciting project about land The architects’ brief for use and the future of farming. the HLF-funded ‘New Approaches’ project specified environmentally-friendly materials and systems, including solar panels to offset running costs. The museum Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 13

Oriel Môn – arts-based trails Cardiff Story Museum – Monmouthshire Museums their environmental concerns. Wild in the City – promoting awareness of Abergavenny Museum and A Resilient Wales The museum is creating nature have previously worked a series of art trails to In partnership with Grow Wild with the local Transition connect visitors with the (an outreach programme from Monthmouthshire Museums Town group and Abergavenny local environment. One trail Kew Gardens), the museum offer a range of activities and Incredible Edibles to host developed with a conservation created an exhibition and programmes designed to Grow Wild – a programme partner was the Red Squirrel outreach activities that re-engage people with nature co-ordinated by Kew Gardens Walk, linking Oriel Mon and looked at how nature has and wildlife. At the time of encouraging people to plant the nearby Dingle Nature changed in the city over time, writing, Museum and tend native wildflowers. Reserve in Llangefni – forging how it has formed the city is staging an exhibition related the connection between the and shaped its identity. The to ‘Lady Park Wood’, an area Storiel – planting new roots nature-based art of renowned museum worked with young of woodland in the Wye painter Charles Tunnicliffe people to research, create and Valley that has been preserved Storiel’s new home was once a with the wildlife at the Dingle. install the exhibition – in the as unmanaged woodland Bishops’s Palace. In developing Sketching trails and other art process aiming to foster a since the 1940s. Recently, its outdoor space, the museum and nature programmes are new generation of Cardiffians Monmouthshire’s focused on interpreting its being planned. keen to protect one of the Museum worked with the local medieval and Welsh context. country’s greenest cities. Transition Town group and the A local gardening club has Younger and older residents council on an ‘Orchards and been established that offers swapped city and nature Apple Day’ project, linked to volunteers the opportunity to stories during the programme the annual Community Apple learn about gardening, planting – dialogue and encounters Day. The museum provided medieval herbs and plants, as that have the potential to historical material from the well as fruit trees with local promote social and ecological collections and created display origins such as the Bardsey resilience. materials and apple day apple tree. activities for families. Chepstow and the other Monmouth Museums hosted WWF ‘Earth Day’ events, with participants creating their own ‘message in a bottle’ sculpture outside the Senedd in Cardiff highlighting Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 14

GOAL 3: A healthier Wales A healthier Wales Ways that Welsh museums meet this goal: A society in which people’s A two-year research project Economics demonstrated and as benefitting all visitors, most dementia, for marginalised physical and mental led by the Happy Museum quantified the wellbeing boost Welsh museums have special communities and hard to well-being is maximised and economist Daniel Fujiwara that people get from visiting programmes for key groups reach families, for children and and in which choices of the London School of museums and galleries. As well – for those suffering with young people. and behaviours that benefit future health are Examples of activities that respond to understood. this goal: Oriel Môn – mental health workshops. One participant and wellbeing said that the workshops “completely changed my life”. In 2017, Oriel Môn piloted a reminiscence project working The museum played a key role with elderly people in care in establishing a north Wales home settings. The gallery partnership for community recruited volunteers from the development officers and local community and trained arts venues. The partnership them in reminiscence work. has been formalised as a Oriel Môn hopes to roll the community interest company, programme out to other care and the museum’s learning homes. This work builds on a and engagement manager is long-established partnership a director and leads on arts with Dementia Friends, which and mental health related among other projects has programming across Anglesey trained all the gallery’s staff. and north Wales over the Oriel Môn and partners also coming years. run arts-based projects for adults with mental health issues, including arts therapy Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 15

Wrexham County Borough they lay on a hospital bed. Ceredigion Museum – new Monmouthshire Museums – Museum and Archives – The project aimed to de- partnerships for wellbeing Weaving and WellBEEing A healthier Wales Hidden Now Heard stigmatise the topic of mental health through real stories, Ceredigion’s innovative Monmouthshire’s In partnership with MENCAP including that of Patrick, a participative exhibition Not Abergavenny Museum used Cymru, the museum created former patient at Bryn-Y- Hat Is This was an opportunity Happy Museum funding to an exhibition showcasing Neuadd hospital in Conwy. for the museum to develop co-curate activities with previously unheard stories Patrick was prevented from volunteering partnerships with young people from two of people with learning attending his parent’s funeral community groups including vulnerable groups. Two disabilities who spent time after their death in the 1980s, MIND (who support people craftspeople led indoor and in asylums and hospitals in and was never told where affected by mental health outdoor workshops in weaving Wales. The exhibition featured they were buried. It wasn’t who are looking to reenter the with eight young carers and a collection of objects, until Hidden Now Heard workplace) and a muscular bee-keeping with 20 primary photographs and personal volunteers were able to locate dystrophy charity. children with special needs. recollections. The exhibition their graves, through extensive The young carers found had a number of interactive Cardiff Story Museum the weaving soothing and research, that he was able to – measuring impact on elements including a pillow visit their final resting place. immersive. As well as learning which told peoples stories as wellbeing about the traditional craft Working with the Happy of bee-keeping, the children Museum project inspired the also learnt about nature, Cardiff team to find a robust food and a healthy diet. and appropriate method of Monmouthshire museums evaluating the impact of the also provide a range of museum on the wellbeing activities for people with of visitors, volunteers and dementia, including: Memory object donors. Cardiff chose Boxes that are loaned to care an approach developed by homes and support groups; University College London and training care professionals found that for participants of and volunteers to deliver their ‘Dinky Dragons’ sessions reminiscence sessions; and a wellbeing increased by 25% Memory Café, run by students and for general visitors the from a local secondary school. figure was 26%. (See page for more on the UCL toolkit 25). Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 16

GOAL 4: A more equal Wales A more equal Wales Ways that Welsh museums meet this goal: A society that enables Museums provide elderly, people with mental with asylum seekers, homeless provide chances to learn, people to fulfil their volunteering opportunities health challenges, and people people, hard to reach and raise aspirations, and immerse potential no matter for groups of people who with learning disabilities. disadvantaged families. A themselves in Welsh culture, what their background or might not otherwise have the Museums offer activities for high proportion of visitors heritage and language. circumstances. chance – young people, the and engagement programmes are children and museums

Examples of activities that respond to this goal: Cardiff Story Museum – partnerships have advised the normally have the opportunity ensuring equality of access museum on how to make its to visit the museum to publicity and promotional experience artefacts and The museum’s way of working material more welcoming activities at their own pace. is very much community to adults with learning Visits to care homes and driven, with a focus on the disabilities. “Our approach respite care providers take ‘Southern Arc’ of Cardiff where has always been about the place on a monthly basis and levels of deprivation are high. community creating their own the activities and artefacts The museum also has long museum, having a meaningful are chosen by the residents standing partnerships with say, rather than rubber following the first visit. In many diverse community stamping what curators its work with schools, the groups, for example Cardiff think,” says Victoria Rogers. museum can take outreach People First, Innovate Trust versions of its workshop and MENCAP Cymru. Working Wrexham County Borough programme into schools if with Cardiff People First, the Museum and Archives school groups are unable to museum piloted a ‘takeover – supported visits for visit. day’, a model of working vulnerable adults with learning disabled people that is now being rolled The museum has a well- out across Wales and the established programme to UK. Participants in these assist vulnerable adults with dementia who would not Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 17

Oriel Môn – arts activities of 14 and 25 years old, who Monmouthshire Museums – Storiel – helping job seekers for disadvantaged families meet weekly at the Museum working with young people A more equal Wales to direct and deliver museum Storiel has developed its The museum and art centre projects, including: creating Monmouthshire Museums volunteer base through is providing art activities exhibitions, planning and Stables to Studios project links with agencies such for disadvantaged families hosting events, collection saw a group of sixth form as: Jobcentre, north Wales with young children in care and research; and students working with Housing, TEC Wales, or a partnership with the bringing fresh exciting ideas, curators to research and Employability Service Bangor government’s Flying Start energy and enthusiasm to produce an exhibition on the University. A recent evaluation early years programme, a the museum. The panel grew of Monmouth’s iconic of the HLF-funded project priority element of its Tackling out of Storming the Walls, Rockfield Recording Studios. found there were 139 active Poverty agenda. Welsh a review and consultation The students interviewed volunteers providing over language will be a key theme project the museum the studio’s owners as well 5,500 hours of support, of all group activities. Oriel is undertook as it sought to as artists who had recorded many of whom are job shadowing and learning from engage with new audiences. there. They also identified seekers, students and retired how partners are delivering The programme asked objects for display, wrote professionals. One job seeker strategic cultural programmes users and potential users content and labels, created who started as a volunteer funded by the government’s about any barriers (physical, the exhibition logo, layout found worked at a local library Fusion Challenge grants economic, intellectual etc) and design, and wrote press and is an ‘ambassador’ for initiative, which is operating that prevented participation releases and other marketing the Storiel volunteer scheme, in eight areas of Wales with with museums throughout material. “There is a deep through their involvement in high levels of disadvantage. Ceredigion. The results of the sense of pride among all the Council’s Opus scheme. The Oriel is committed to project have underpinned the that worked on the project Funded by the European providing free admission to all development plans of the and those who are working Social Fund, via the Welsh its exhibitions. museum. Growing out of this with it,” says curator Anne Government, the scheme Rainsbury. “The exhibition aims to get people aged 25 Ceredigion Museum – was a connection with the county’s Youth Justice Group, was organic with people plus who have been out of engaging young people in contributing stories and work for some time back into culture and heritage which now meets at the museum every fortnight. wanting to be interviewed employment. In 2013, the museum set about their experiences.” The up the Ceredigion Heritage project’s Facebook page was Youth Panel, a group of young reaching over 5000 people people, between the ages while the exhibition was running. Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 18

A Wales of cohesive GOAL 5: A Wales of cohesive communities communities Ways that Welsh museums meet this goal: Attractive, viable, safe Many Welsh museums have uniquely placed to engage the guidance from a museum- ‘Discover and Share – Ways and well connected programmes that engage public and, at a time when specific resource that looks to promote positive values communities. and bring together different societal divisions can seem at new approaches to in arts and cultural settings’ communities – whether it is particularly stark, they can modelling ‘compassionate’ was developed through a year- young people and the elderly, play a vital in encouraging values in interactions with long collaboration between or migrant communities, community cohesion. visitors, volunteers and staff Museum and or socially or economically Welsh museums aiming to - and novel ways to facilitate Common Cause Foundation, disadvantaged groups. promote community cohesion visitors in exploring one and was inspired by the work may draw inspiration and another’s values. The guide of the Happy Museum project. Cultural organisations are

Examples of activities that respond to this goal: Cardiff Story Museum – communities in Cardiff on Ceredigion Museum themselves in the past engaging for diversity the partition of India.”The – intergenerational compared with now. The most museum has a dedicated encounters successful intergenerational Cardiff Story Museum provides community gallery, where session was a ‘Tea, Talk and opportunities for residents different groups create their One element of Ceredigion’s Tarts’ event hosted by the and visitors to engage with own exhibitions drawing on ambitious, two year Out On The museum’s Ceredigion Heritage stories or viewpoints they their own and the museum’s Town programme was an inter- Youth Panel. According to one might not have heard or collections, and decide on generational project to create of the facilitators: ‘The project which might change their events and programming. six ‘re-discovery boxes’ for use provided another dimension minds. “We work across the “With our programme we aim by schools, day centres and to the reminiscence work we full spectrum of Cardiff’s to represent the huge diversity youth clubs. This element of the do with the elderly, creating a diversity,” says Victoria Rogers. of Cardiff and be active in youth-led programme involved more dynamic group. It also “For example, we regularly getting people to hear voices 43 young people and 40 older gave a framework and purpose work with asylum seekers and engage with people they people. Through a series of for gathering memories from and refugees, and we recently might not ordinarily engage workshops, boxes of objects the elderly, enhancing the value hosted an oral history project with.” and media were created that of the reminiscences.’ led by Indian and Pakistani showed how people entertained Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 19

Monmouthshire – memory planned and created menus community to create a First the museum, among them A Wales of cohesive cafés run by young people that included bread and World War exhibition. The jobseekers, students, academics communities dripping, cockles, blancmange museum team worked with and retired professionals. The In 2017, students from and paste sandwiches. The Amlwch Age Well group and museum has a community Monmouth Comprehensive memory café project regularly children from local schools gallery and supports a series of School worked with staff at worked with a group of 15 to create display art and community-led interpretation to plan people living with dementia, creative writing pieces based projects that were delivered and deliver four ‘memory café’ as well as carers and museum on contemporary letters and or led by local groups or sessions for people living with visitors. All of the students documents. The community individuals. Examples include dementia and their carers. taking part in the project have exhibition featured the young a project to interpret Storiel’s The team sourced vintage become Dementia Friends, people’s work alongside the agricultural collection led by a table linen and tableware, and the museum staff have original artefacts that had Young Farmer Club with local memory box objects, costume a much better understanding inspired them. The museum support, and a football themed and resources to create of dementia and what it also has dedicated community exhibition led by Bangor City immersive cafes with the can do to support people display cabinets which have Football Club. The museum flavour of the 50s and 60s, affected by the condition. hosted exhibitions from small is committed to diversifying and themes relating to fashion “The reminiscence training local groups to island-wide its audience – culturally and and holidays. The students was also valuable as this gave exhibitions. socially: including focused and the museum team us an insight into how we work to engage with ‘harder can use objects to engage all Storiel – a community focus to reach’ families through its the senses so that everyone The Museum has developed role as part of the Gwynedd can take part,” a curator said. a range of volunteering Fusion Network and the Welsh Student volunteers gained opportunities for jobseekers and Governments’ tackling poverty valuable skills and experience others in need of experience, agenda. It also has different that could help with future forging links with a wide range ethnicities taking part in its job finding or applying to of agencies such as; Jobcentre, activities. The Education Officer college or university. north Wales Housing, TEC noted at one drop-in session that six different languages Oriel Môn – community Wales, and the Employability Service of Bangor University. were spoken around the engagement projects table. The museum has active In 2016, Oriel Môn and A recent HLF project evaluation partnerships with a wide range Anglesey Archives Service noted that 139 volunteers of community groups. worked with the local were actively involved in Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 20

A Wales of vibrant GOAL 6: A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language culture and thriving Welsh language Ways that Welsh museums meet this goal: A society that promotes The museum and galleries through being 100% bilingual the Welsh language is spoken and protects culture, of Wales play a vital role in for their audiences; and and where Welsh culture and heritage and the Welsh preserving and sharing Welsh through events, resources and traditions are celebrated every language, and which culture, language and heritage: activities for Welsh learners. day. encourages people to through their collections; Museums are places where participate in the arts, and sports and recreation. Examples of activities that respond to this goal: Cardiff Story Museum – all Victoria Rogers. Everything have similar packs for families activists from community about language and culture the museum produces is learning English as a second heritage groups across the bilingual. Specific events for language.” region. The suggestions “We are the museum of Welsh learners are organised. flooded in, and then the Cardiff’s history and heritage Following consultation and Wrexham County Borough search was on to track down both for locals, tourists and feedback from some of the Museum and Archives – A and secure the appearance of visitors, and Welsh language, museum’s community groups History of North East Wales the proposed items in terms culture and heritage are at and visitors, the museum in 100 Objects of loans from individuals, the core of what we do,” says created back packs for families In 2018, Wrexham Museum groups, organisations and learning English or Welsh as worked with the North East museums. The final 100 second languages. “We’re Wales Heritage Forum to objects chosen by the North seeing that lots of parents and co-create an exhibition telling East Wales Heritage Forum carers want to bring up their the story of the three counties represented thousands of children to speak Welsh, but of north-east Wales, which ran years of history from the they don’t speak the language for two months. The objects first evidence of human life and are learning themselves. displayed in the exhibition – ‘A up to the technology of the Our back pack activities History of North East Wales in 21st century. One member of encourage the whole family to 100 Objects’ – were proposed the museum’s staff can lead learn new words and practice for the show by a team of school workshops in Welsh, the language while having fun archaeologists and historians, and several museum staff together in our galleries. We academics, enthusiasts and are currently learning Welsh. Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 21

Everything in the museum different attractions around Storiel – raising awareness and providing bi-lingual A Wales of vibrant (panels, labels, films etc.) the town; a summer reading of language and culture access is core to the ethos of culture and thriving are bi-lingual. The museum challenge, with prizes for the Museum and they work Welsh language celebrates and showcases children borrowing books in For many living in Gwynedd, closely with “Mentrau Iaith” Welsh culture through Welsh; story and song sessions Welsh is their first language and “Hunaniaith” who support its collections, as well as for younger children; sports and an integral part of daily these aims. through partnerships with programmes for different age life. A visit to Storiel is a organisations including the groups; and a programme of chance to discover stories in Monmouthshire Museums – National Museum and the art workshops to create flags, Welsh (or English) and even keeping traditions alive National Library. When the lanterns, costumes and large about the language itself: the museum’s collection is National festival sculptures on the beach using showcasing Welsh culture was in held in Wrexham, the natural resources, which were includes a rare example of a Welsh Not, a piece of wood and keeping tradition alive museum collaborated on an then used to decorate the by hosting an annual exhibition entitled ‘Uniquely Promenade for The Sea King’s worn in schools to punish and discourage Welsh speaking. and ‘Mari Lwyd’ event. Welsh’ showing artefacts, Feast. is the practice of images and books from the An informal survey of Storiel’s people going door-to-door, national collections. Oriel Môn – naturally bilingual volunteers asked them: “Do singing and offering a drink Ceredigion Museum – you feel that volunteering from the wassail bowl in hosting holiday activities in Serving a local population of in Storiel has raised your exchange for gifts. Mari Lwyd Welsh which 57% of the population awareness of the Welsh is a wassailing speaks Welsh, Oriel Mon language and culture?” There tradition, in which a ‘hobby As well as hosting regular regards itself as offering a was a 92% positive response. horse’ made from a horse’s visits from Welsh learning ‘naturally bilingual’ service. Among its Welsh language skull is mounted on a pole classes, Ceredigion All staff within the museum promoting activities, the and carried from place to participates in a and the café are fluent Welsh museum has hosted after place. The annual event is scheme offering Welsh speakers, all exhibitions and school workshops, pensioners run in partnership with local language holiday activities the majority of events are clubs, and a church social club. Morris dancing and folk music for families. Called ‘Hwyl Yr bilingual. groups, with the support Haf’, the programme offers a The museum hosts and of Monmouthshire County wide range of activities across arranges wide ranging events Council and Chepstow Town the town and surrounding such as school and family Council. area, including: a treasure activities, guided tours, talks. hunt leading visitors to Promoting the Welsh language Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 22

A globally GOAL 7: A globally responsible Wales responsible Wales Ways that Welsh museums meet this goal: A nation which, when The Wellbeing of Future energy demand, increasing and heritage for future Using Fairtrade products – doing anything to improve Generations Act recognises energy efficiency and use generations. many Welsh museums opt the economic, social, that the actions of Welsh of new renewable energy for Fairtrade products where environmental and cultural organisations and citizens sources; and sustainable Energy saving measures they have a choice, which is well-being of Wales, takes are important in contributing consumption and production – reducing energy use and an ethical and responsible account of whether doing to global sustainable – this means making choices waste is an environmental way of sourcing products from such a thing may make a development, no matter how when producing, buying imperative, and also makes around the world. positive contribution to small they may seem. The Act or disposing of goods and sense for cost saving reasons. global well-being. is the first national piece of services that reduce negative A global outlook – many Favouring local producers – museums work with migrant legislation of its kind in the impact and increase positive by choosing often small, local world and aligns with the UN benefit locally and globally. communities in a variety suppliers, museums reduce of ways, many seek to Sustainable Development the environmental impact of Goals (SDGs) and the UN’s Long-term thinking – forge links and partnerships this comes naturally to transporting goods. Smaller with organisations in other 2030 Agenda. The Act’s core suppliers (often by necessity) guidance identifies two key organisations rooted in countries. conservation, which have operate in a more sustainable areas for global responsibility: way. decarbonisation – reducing a duty to preserve culture

Examples of activities that respond to this goal: Cardiff Story Museum example, it partnered with together to fight for their own, strongly about, building skills – raising awareness, a local association to raise or the rights of others. The and confidence to become prompting action awareness of the plight of museum is currently working more involved in acting for Cardiff’s twin city, Luhansk, with a group of young women change. The museum works to raise in the Ukraine and raise from Cardiff West to explore awareness of issues relevant funds for relief organisations the history of women fighting to its communities, through working there. In its core for the vote in the city, using its collecting, programming, galleries it explores the times it as a springboard to explore partnerships and actions. For when Cardiffians have come issues they themselves feel Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 23

Wrexham County Borough work of the museum and how Monmouthshire Museums In 2013, Chepstow Museum A globally Museum and Archives – it tries to engage with the – links with women of the worked with Welsh non- responsible Wales Welsh communities in communities it serves. Where world profit Vintage Vision on Patagonia possible the food and drink an innovative exhibition sold in the café is from local In 2014, Abergavenny entitled ‘What is Fashion?’. Through the British Council, suppliers to reduce reducing Museum became involved A group of local women the museum has made links food miles – Wrexham lager with Zimele, a project working worked with Vintage Vision’s with the Museu da Mare, being one example. The in rural South Africa which sewing tutors to create which is located in a favela museum shop stock crafts and enables women to start small garments inspired by the in Rio and works to inspire products from local suppliers. businesses and social projects museum’s costume collection, local communities to engage for the benefit of themselves including Victorian and with local heritage. Antonio Storiel – connections to and their community. early 20th century dresses, Vieiera, the museum’s the world Zimele also aims to educate child stitching samplers director delivered two talks about Fairtrade and help and a corset found under in Wrexham (one to a group Storiel’s Connections gallery communities through highlights the many links floorboards. The exhibition from the Urban Villages cluster sustainable development. The aimed to raise awareness and one to a Communities Gwynedd has with the world, museum became involved spanning trade and industry, of the town’s heritage as First audience) about the with the Abergavenny a producer of clothes, and Welsh missionaries working in Swayimane Community different countries, the Welsh to highlight ethical issues Link – which aims to bring about modern clothing community in Patagonia, together people from the involvement with the Spanish production, much of which is two communities through mass produced in developing Civil War, links forged by knitting and crocheting. shipping and war and also countries and is not designed The project culminated in to last. The exhibition posed those that decided to live in ‘yarn-bombing’ trees in Linda Gwynedd such as the Jewish key questions: Who made Vista Gardens, Abergavenny this item and under what families fleeing persecution. in 2014 and sections of the In 2018, the museum hosted conditions? How do we in 2015. dispose of clothes? How can a collaborative art project Two Swayimane craft artisans featuring international artists, our fashion footprint on the later visited Abergavenny to planet be lighter? illustrators and doodlers from lead beading workshops. a range of backgrounds. A new collaborative project with Syrian artists is in the pipeline. Welsh museums meeting the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act goals 24 6. Going to the next level – new projects focused on the seven goals

As well as reviewing the would fill a gap or boost their impact of their work against or their engagement with things they were already ability to respond to the goals. the FGA goals – aligning with communities. The projects doing to support the Future the Happy Museum principle are summarised in the table Generations Act goals, the six Several of the museums of ‘measure what matters’. below, with details on the museums each identified a decided they wanted to focus Others chose ways to deepen following pages. new programme of work that on new ways of evaluating the their focus on wellbeing,

New FGA project FGA goals targeted What they say Cardiff Story Find a robust, comparable method for A healthier Wales “The wellbeing of visitors to our galleries increases Museum measuring impact on wellbeing of different (A more equal Wales) by 26%.” activities. (A Wales of cohesive communities) Oriel Môn Develop an approach to community A Wales of cohesive communities “Co-production with our communities is integral co-production that engages audiences and is (A more equal Wales) to how we must plan our exhibitions and events in sustainable for the museum. (A Wales … Welsh language) future.” Monmouthshire Create a bespoke tool for evaluating A Wales of cohesive communities “Working with Happy Museum to look at the FGA Museums the impact of different activities and A healthier Wales goals has made our efforts more real for us.” communicating the results to all stakeholders. A more equal Wales Storiel Finding a joined-up approach to evaluating A more equal Wales “The numbers are important but are they the things impact aligned with other strategies and (A healthier Wales) we really need to be reporting back on?” policies to communicate effectively. Wrexham County Setting up a community forum to guide the A Wales of cohesive communities “We are looking at an inclusive group, with young Borough Museum museum on the way forward and ensure it A more equal Wales people, new audiences and also from disadvantaged and Archives stays relevant for all. areas.” Ceredigion Embedding a series of measures designed to A healthier Wales “Working with other museums on the FGA has Museum improve team wellbeing and morale during a helped us to embed the goals in our work.” time of change. Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 25

Cardiff Story Museum and their lives?’ The team “We chose the UCL approach boost they got from a day of – measuring impact on wanted to find an evaluation as we could use it consistently volunteering, not the wider wellbeing approach that it could use across everything we do, it impact compared with before across all the areas of the was nicely set out and the they started.” Seeking primarily to address museum’s activity. The team calculations are worked the FGA goal of ‘A healthier reviewed a range of toolkits out for you,” says museum “What the Happy Museum Wales’, the museum framed and conducted a pilot project manager Victoria Rogers. “We project did was give us its Happy Museum inspired using the most promising piloted it with our volunteers, the excuse and push to project as follows: ‘How can one – the University College and with participants in our do something we had we ensure the data we gather London’s Museum Wellbeing Dinky Dragons toddlers group been thinking about. They about, and from, our visitors Measures toolkit. and with ‘general public’ signposted us to a range of and participants demonstrates visitors.” The results were approaches. We chose the the impact we make to them that visiting a Dinky Dragons UCL one as it was something session increases wellbeing by we could use across all our 25%, with adult visitors to the activities consistently and galleries recording increases in give us a robust measure of wellbeing of 26%. impact that we could use to advocate for our services Among the existing volunteers upwards. The UCL name gives group, a day at the museum it a bit of clout and provides increased wellbeing by 7%. us with the hard data we need “We need to do the exercise to share with our stakeholders. again with new volunteers, It would be good if museums capturing a baseline before across Wales could use the they start so we know the same measure so we could overall impact volunteering have sector-wide impact data has on people’s lives. The – that would be very powerful measure we got from our in demonstrating the value of long-standing volunteers museums.” only showed the wellbeing Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 26

Ceredigion Museum – “Happy Museum has been Monmouthshire Museums maximum impact, the team wellbeing for staff the light in the darkness – a single approach to commissioned a designer over the last few years,” says evaluation to produce an infographic Ceredigion Museum has a assistant curator Alice Briggs. template that can be used long-standing connection “It has helped us to form Evaluation was the focus to capture all the data and with the Happy Museum. our curatorial missions and for the Monmouthshire visually highlight its relevance For this latest collaboration, be brave. Our challenge is Museum’s Happy Museum to the Future Generation Act the museum team decided keep doing this work when inspired project, framed goals. The prototype of the to focus attention on the time and budgets are short. around the question: ‘How infographic can be seen on wellbeing of the staff and Working with other museums can we create a methodology this page. volunteers. The framing to look at the goals has helped that enables community and question for the work is: us to ask ourselves how we income-generating events ‘How can we best support to be evaluated alongside Monmouthshire Museums embed the goals in our work.” 2018 How did we do? the wellbeing of the museum each other?’ The museum team at this time of rapid For curator Carrie Canham, services’ ambition is to XX events raised XX local suppliers used change?’ “working with the Happy show the cultural, social and environmental awarenes

XXX * Museum has helped us to environmental value of their volunteer hours XX% One outcome of the project provided enjoyed the event respond to the goals, we activities, as well as their a Wales of A globally cohesive responsible is that wellbeing has become already have the Happy economic benefit. communities a Resilient Wales a Healthier Wales wales an agenda item at the weekly Museum thinking embedded staff meetings. Another The team began by looking at * * in what we do and this latest We worked with XX% XX visited the learnt something new partners at our events XX% innovation is a ‘life and stairs’ collaboration has given each of the Future Generation area for our events collection box – with staff Act goals in relation to data us a good framework for * * Our events contributed XX% were inspired to XX% of event attend other cultural activities capacity reached in Monmouthshire. £X,XXX contributing 10 pence every that could be collected about to the local economy this year responding to the Act.” a Wales of vibrant a More equal culture & Welsh a Prosperous Wales time they use the lift instead and at our events. To be Wales language *of people surveyed find us on Further information... facebook of the healthier option of You can read about workable, it was necessary to Abergavenny 01873 854 282 Chepstow 01291 625 981 Monmouth 01600 710630 @AberMuseum @chepstowmuseum @NelsonMuseumMon taking the stairs. The museum Ceredigion’s Happy Museum focus on outputs that could www.abergavennymuseum.co.uk www.visitmonmouthshire.com/things-to-do/museums has been facing staff and funded project on young be measured using data that Monmouthshire Museums budget cuts in recent years people and traditional crafts was already collected (eg at have been involved with and sustaining team morale is here. ticket purchase, or suppliers the Happy Museum project a priority. engaged) or that could be for some years. In 2014, generated from very simple Abergavenny Museum visitor evaluation. To convey used funding to test new the information collected with Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 27

approaches to working with people think and live,” says additionally ‘A more equal As co-production is new for local vulnerable young people. Anne Rainsbury. “You can Wales’ and ‘A Wales of the museum, one challenge is The project has led to a new relate strongly because vibrant culture and thriving to ensure all staff are signed openness to collaboration the ideas align with your Welsh language.’ The work up to the idea, another is to with local organisations personal beliefs and it means was framed by this question: manage the expectations and community members you can bring yourself to ‘What could co-production of those in the community (read case study here). work. Working with Happy look like in the museum and who get involved. Initial The museum service was an Museum to look at the Future in the community for Oriel steps include staff training to early member of the Happy Generations Act has made our Môn?’ build confidence and share Museum Affiliate Scheme, efforts more real for us, more examples of best practice launched in 2017 specific and measured.” The museum team decided from other organisations. to use the 2018 centenary “Changing our mind-sets “Happy Museum thinking “Happy Museum events have of Welsh artist Sir Kyffin may take some time, but speaks to the way that had a massive impact,” says Williams to investigate how co-production with our objects conservator Megan co-production could work. communities is integral de Silva. “They have given “Our project will use the to how we must plan our us more confidence – for anniversary to investigate exhibitions and events in instance with experimentation what we need to do as an future”. and risk taking. This new organisation, as a team and project has given us an within our community to For Ceri Williams, the Oriel’s opportunity to focus on make co-production possible,” learning and engagement the FGA goals and helped says general manager Esther manager, being involved in us to prioritise the things Roberts. “Traditionally, our the Happy Museum project we do towards meeting our exhibitions and events are has put the FGA goals in the obligations”. organised solely by staff – and front of her mind. “The project we must learn to collaborate, has given us time and space Oriel Môn – testing to relinquish control and enjoy to think about the Future community co-production working with individuals, Generations Act. Now we The Oriel’s Happy Museum- businesses and organisations have a much more focused inspired project was aimed from across the island to approach to meeting the FGA to address three of the FGA organise a programme of goals.” goals – principally ‘A Wales events, either at the Oriel or in of cohesive communities’, other places on Anglesey”. Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 28

Storiel – integrated model framed around the question: The vision of the museum numbers are important but for evaluation ‘How can we ensure that team was for a collaborative are they the things we really we are measuring what exploration – involving need to be reporting back, Storiel’s Future Generations matters placing the people of and engaging with staff, are they what our Cabinet Act project was another Gwynedd at the core of what volunteers, councillors and member needs to convey the inspired by the Happy we do and ensure that we audiences – to create a impact our services have and Museum principle Measure deliver the FGA goals?’ model that ensures that the to be able to share them with what matters, and was museum measures what the Cabinet and the public?” matters, with a primary focus on the FGA goal of ‘A more The team are looking at equal Wales’. The team want different ways to capture a ‘joined up’ approach that and communicate impact, can encompass the council’s including using video to ‘Ffordd Gwynedd’ strategy, the capture audience responses. Fusion programme, the Happy “We want to find a way Museum Principles and the to capture the impact on FGA goals. wellbeing that people feel comfortable with, such as The team have researched when they are talking about how different projects within changes to their mental the council are evaluated, health.” particularly those which worked across departments. A Storiel (in its previous priority was a clear and early incarnation as Gwynedd dialogue with the Gwynedd Museum) had Happy Museum council officers leading on funding in 2013 to trial an app wellbeing planning. designed to increase audience engagement (case study “This is not just about here). measuring, it’s about how you present the findings,” says Nêst Thomas, Principal Museums and Arts Officer for Gwynedd Council. “The Welsh museums and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 29

Wrexham County Borough and to help the museum be the Association of Voluntary “In inviting people to the Museum and Archives – more relevant to all audiences. Organisations Wrexham, to forum, we want people to be advice from a community gain advice and potential ‘advocates’ of the stories of forum The museum team has participants. One idea is to the social history of Wrexham explored the best way of embed greater consultation and its people,” says learning Wrexham Museum’s setting up a forum, and in existing efforts is to and access officer Karen Happy Museum project considered potentially revamp the annual volunteer Teasdale. “We are looking was mainly directed at the partnering with the library satisfaction survey to get at an inclusive group, with FGA goal of ‘A Wales of and arts services to create a clearer data on wellbeing and representation from young cohesive communities’. The broader ‘cultural forum’. The with links to the FGA goal and people, new audiences and museum aims to establish museum is consulting with Happy Museum principles. A also from disadvantaged a community forum with a its wider partners too, such similar thing is planned for the areas.” The members of the mix of ages and expertise to as the local volunteer group teachers’ evaluation forms for forum would be involved advise on the ’way forward’ based at the nearby offices of school visits. in choosing themes for the community display cases. “In terms of how I work, Happy Museum has helped me to focus and think more strategically about the FGA goals. The project has made the goals real for me and we now have the justification to do make some of the changes I have wanted to, such as revamping the reminiscence boxes for people living with dementia.” Welsh museums meeting the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act goals 30 7. What we learned – advice for other museums

Engage with the mind. Are there things you evaluation methods aligned Be realistic and FGA goals as an could do differently that with the FGA goals, can they acknowledge the would increase the impact of provide the evidence you need organisation those activities in terms of the to demonstrate the impact of challenges It is important to involve FGA goals? your activities? Resources are stretched in staff from every part Don’t forget to share your most museums – both in of the organisation – Identify gaps and data and evidence. Make terms of people’s time and including volunteers and opportunities to do others aware of the impacts funding for programmes and other important ‘internal’ more you’ve made. activities. Think in terms of stakeholders – to develop a maximising the impact of shared understanding of the Having reviewed what you Engage with your what you are already doing Future Generations Act goals already do, you may spot gaps and look for FGA-themed and what they mean for the or opportunities to do more. community, your opportunities to build museum. There may be projects the partners into future opportunities. museum has always wanted Sustainability, resilience and The future generations act to do and the FGA goals may long-term thinking are key Review current identifies collaboration and be the catalyst to make them FGA themes and should guide activities and ways of involvement as key ways of happen. the vision for your museum. working working. Have the FGA goals in mind when you engage Museums already do many Gather and share data with your community, find things that respond to the and evidence out what your visitors and different FGA goals. Review audiences think. Work with A key Happy Museum past, current and planned them, and with your key principle is to ‘measure what future activities with the partners, to plan activities matters’. Are your current ambitions of the goals in aligned with the goals. Welsh museums meeting the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act goals 31 8. Useful links and resources

Wales Future Happy Museum The UCL Museum Wellbeing Generations Act Measures toolkit used by After several years working Cardiff Story Museum was Welsh Government official with our museum partners to developed and tested with webpage on the Act. combine action and academic museums and galleries across research, we have wide range the UK. Welsh government’s of case studies, tools and Statutory Guidance for materials which are available Environmental Impact public bodies. in the Resources section of our website. Julie’s Bicycle have some Welsh Audit Office report: valuable resources for cultural Reflecting on Year One – organisations working to How have public bodies Wellbeing reduce their environmental responded to the Well- The Cultural LIFE survey is a impact, including an being of Future Generations free to join research project Environmental Framework (Wales) Act 2015? into cultural wellbeing. for Museums. Wales Council for Voluntary Alliance for Culture Health Action have developed some and Wellbeing has links to a Economic Impact useful resources for third range of resources specifically The Association of sector organisations around developed for the cultural the FGA goals. Independent Museums has sector. developed a range of toolkits The New Economics for museums, including the Foundation’s Five Ways to ‘Economic Impact’ toolkit Wellbeing was one of the used by the six Welsh inspirations for the Happy museums. Museum project.