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Category: Museum sector

  • Association of Independent Museums – Statement on Ukraine

    Black Country Living Museum is a member of the Association of Independent Museums. In his capacity as Chair of the Association, Andrew has published the following statement on behalf of all AIM members.

    The Association of Independent Museums condemns the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

    We share the concern of the International Council of Museums’ (ICOM) regarding the risks faced by museum professionals in Ukraine, and the damage of this aggression on Ukraine’s material culture.

    Alongside all those in Ukraine we express our solidarity with museum colleagues and understand that AIM members will be seeking practical ways to offer help.

    As we explore how we might best approach that, we highlight some of those organisations coordinating international support, including

  • BCLM is back on TikTok!

    BCLM is back on TikTok!

    We’d like to thank everyone that has been involved in the relaunch of the Museum TikTok account! The first of a new series of videos was uploaded today and included a special Valentine’s message from our current TikTok characters. If you would like to put yourself forward to be in the videos, there’s still time to get involved! Please see the relevant intranet article about auditioning, or ask a member of the Marketing team for more details.

    See our relaunch video here at: https://bit.ly/3oNB1Ci

  • BCLM Win “Being Social” category at Digital Culture Awards

    We are thrilled to have been awarded in the “Being Social” category at Arts Council England and the Digital Culture Network’s Digital Culture awards this week! The award recognises our work on TikTok, praising our success in increasing awareness and engagement with new audiences.

    This category at the awards was judged by Adam Kozary, Head of Digital at the Audience Agency, who said:

    “The Black Country Living Museum should be celebrated for sheer global impact, ruthlessly exploiting their niche and showing the rest of the sector how to engage with TikTok. They – and their fellow shortlistees – hold that rare combination of a deep understanding of what their organisation is for, the creative mind to spark ideas and the technical skills to make it happen.“

    Tiina Hill, senior manager of Digital Culture Network, said:

    “We received hundreds of submissions and thousands of votes in this year’s Digital Culture Awards, demonstrating the need to acknowledge and celebrate the creativity of our sector. Arts and cultural organisations across the country have innovated how they connect and engage audiences in-person and online, whilst also embracing digital to adapt their ways of working and find new ways of generating income.“

    We’d like to once again extend a huge thank you to everyone that has been involved with our work on TikTok and other social media channels so far. After our hiatus, the Audiences & Comms team is excited to relaunch the TikTok channel this February to continue increasing awareness of the Museum and engaging with new audiences once again.

  • AIM Annual Conference

    The AIM (Association of Independent Museums) annual Conference will be held at Port Sunlight Village, Wirral, on 16-17 June 2022. 

    This year’s conference theme of ‘Making it happen’ will see colleagues from across the UK explore the vision for independent Museums as we recover from the challenges of the pandemic.

    Sessions will highlight how to implement the changes sector debates call for with practical and relevant examples from Museums of all shapes and sizes. As ever with AIM Conference, delegates can look forward to a schedule packed with inspirational and practical advice, debate and discussion.

    As in previous years we are offering staff the opportunity to attend this year’s conference, with travel and accommodation provided. All you need to do is complete an application and provide us with some information as to how you think this will be of benefit to you in your role here at BCLM.

    More information is available on the AIM website. https://aim-museums.co.uk/aim-national-conference-2022/

    If you are interested in attending, please complete the AIM application form (available in the documents section of the intranet under forms for staff or by using: http://pmm.d88.mywebsitetransfer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AIM-application-2022.docx) and return to [email protected] by 5pm on Friday 11 February 2022. Staff will be selected based on their application and informed in early March.

  • New Year message from Andrew

    We sat down with Andrew last week, ahead of today’s reopening, who shared his reflections on the Museum’s successes in 2021 and hopes for the new year. You can watch the full interview below or click through to YouTube here.

  • Calling all Volunteers – Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022

    Help make history by becoming a volunteer at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

    Applications opened on 12 January for volunteers to join the cast of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies. 

    Organisers are inviting Midlands-based people who are passionate about music, dance – and can move a beat, to apply to be part of something spectacular this summer. Athletes Hosts are also required to welcome the athletes taking part in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. This role should appeal to those who want to be part of the ceremony but don’t want to appear on stage.

    Successful applicants will perform in front of a full capacity audience in Birmingham’s newly developed Alexandra Stadium, as well as a worldwide broadcast audience of up to one billion people.

    The Birmingham 2022 Ceremonies Team is made up of some of the finest West Midlands creative talent, including, theatre director Iqbal Khan, award-winning writer Maeve Clarke, rapper Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness, and Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight.  This team is calling for the most ambitious, outgoing, and dedicated local people to apply to be part of the performance that opens and closes the biggest sporting celebration since the London 2012 Olympic Games.

    There are 2000 volunteer roles available and anyone over the age of 18 can apply. Applications close Monday 7 February

    Help make history by becoming a volunteer at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

    Applicants can find more information and register their interest for this great opportunity by completing the online applications form at birmingham2022.com/ceremonies

  • Andrew Lovett recognised in New Year Honours

    Andrew Lovett has been awarded an OBE in the recent New Years’ Honours announcements.

    As Chair of the Association of Independent Museums (AIM), Andrew has been recognised for his services to Cultural Heritage, particularly during Covid-19. He is among several figures from the sector named in the New Year announcements.

    Speaking on New Year’s Day Andrew said:

    “The Board of AIM put their trust in me when they elected me Chair in 2019, and I took the hint to do the very best I could for our members. That was thrown into sharp relief by the pandemic, when many beloved museums and heritage sites were facing bankruptcy.

    “At that time of crisis, I characterised the alternative to swift public-sector investment as a ‘messy fire-sale of assets, peoples’ lives and their communities.’ We are all here to thrive, not just survive. For visitors. That is the return on investment. It seems to me, this honour simply reflects the value people attach to their museums – especially museums that enjoy and thrive because of their independence. I am very grateful for, and humbled by, the appreciation shown for the part I was privileged to play, allowing a future to be seen.”

    Colleagues from others museums who also received honours include Bill Griffiths of Milton Keynes Museum, Christopher Moore vice-chair at Bletchley Park Trust, as well as Judith Owens at Titanic Belfast , Dame Di Lees at Imperial War Museum, Sir Laurie Magnus and Sally Embree at Historic England, Darren Barker at Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, Alexis Page at English Heritage, Robert Franklin and Roger Highfield at the Science Museum Group and Louise Smith at DCMS, who played a major role in developing and securing the Culture Recovery Fund.

    Congratulations to Andrew and everyone recognised in the New Years’ Honours for their work in championing our cultural heritage.

  • Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

    Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

    We need you! Do you have any old Newspapers that could be used for set up and use of braziers across site for events?  

    If you do we would be very grateful of them, and ask that they be dropped off to the Guide Hut.

  • John Hughes Staff Award 2021 – Apply now – Closing Date Monday 16th August 2021

    John Hughes Staff Award 2021 – Apply now – Closing Date Monday 16th August 2021

    The John Hughes Staff Award is available to support the professional and personal development of individuals through funding for qualifications, conferences, workshops, short courses and research trips.

     This year the award is available to both permanent and casual colleagues who have worked at BCLM for a minimum of 6 months and are able to demonstrate how the award will support their professional and/or personal development whilst also benefitting the Museum.

    The award will be offered to one or multiple staff members following submission of an application form. Any supporting or additional information about the development opportunity should be attached to your application. The cost of the development opportunity should be no less than £200.

    Colleagues are required to discuss their interest with their Line Manager prior to completing the attached application. This is to ensure the application is suitable to be funded in this way and is not a requirement which may be able to be met by the Museum in other ways. Your application should be authorised by your Line Manager and submitted by you to [email protected] no later than Monday 16th August 2021.

    All applications will be subject to a ‘panel’ review which will be held shortly after the closing date. Successful applicants will be notified by end of August 2021.

    Click here to download the application form

  • Training Opportunity For New Transport Drivers

    Training Opportunity For New Transport Drivers

    We are looking for new transport employees to train to drive, conduct and act as a banksman as appropriate for the fleet of passenger carrying vehicles, which includes Motorbuses, Trolleybuses and Trams. At times, you will be required to drive non-passenger carrying vehicles such as cars to enhance the visitor offer or for special events.

    You will be involved in driving the passenger carrying vehicles in the fleet and engaging with the public with vehicle specific details and also the stories linked to such vehicles in the Black Country.  

    We’re looking for someone with:
    • Confident and engaging delivery
    • The ability to adapt their delivery to the audience
    • Excellent knowledge of the fleet, following training
    • A willingness to deliver a range of daily tasks to create an immersive experience for visitors.
    • The ability to adapt to the requirements and foci of programmed events/core offer.
    • A willingness to work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals.
    • The ability to adhere to safety management systems and training and/or assessment protocols, including any specific restraints or requirements concerning individual vehicles.

    Applicants will be subject to a Transport Driver initial driving assessment and only those that pass this will be considered for the formal skills training.

    Successful candidates will then receive:
    • A training programme encompassing driver, conductor and banksman responsibilities starting with Motorbuses.
    • Continued support from experienced trainers.
    • A training pack including checklists, notes and supporting images of the fleet.

    You will need to hold a full, current clean UK driving license. A driver medical will also be required. Our insurance only covers drivers between the ages of 25- 75.

    Please email your interest to [email protected] by Monday 9 August 2021.