Our recent event was an engaging discussion on the Power of Play and how it can support growth. Our two speakers were Charlotte Derry Founder of Playful Places and Ameneh Enayat, Head of Creative Programmes at the Story Museum. They gave some illustrative ideas on different types and scale of […]
Celebrating 95 Years of the South West Fed at Stonehenge
Members from across the South West came together at Stonehenge in June for the Federation’s 95th Annual General Meeting, combining formal business with a fabulous day of networking, inspiration and behind-the-scenes insight – all within the World Heritage Site landscape. Hosted by English Heritage, the event offered an exciting look […]
Cutting through the noise: gaining attention, growing audiences and generating revenue online with Royal Academy and The Tank Museum
21 May 1-2pm This engaging online talk explored how cultural and heritage organisations can use digital content not just to attract attention, but to build lasting relationships with audiences and support wider organisational goals. The session featured two experienced digital leaders: John Shevlin, Head of Content, Campaigns and Communications at […]
Poole Museum – A bold new vision
16 March 2026 Members of the SW Fed came together to explore the inspiring spaces and thoughtfully interpreted collections at the newly redeveloped Poole Museum. Interim Museum Director, Jaine Fitzpatrick, and Capital Project Manager, Alison Gudgeon, were generous with their time, leading a tour that brought to life the changes […]
An Inspiring Afternoon at the Shoemakers Museum in Somerset
Members of the South West Fed gathered at the brand new Shoemakers Museum in Street for a brilliant afternoon of learning and discussion. Sam (Deputy Director and Museum Manager) shared an overview of the museum’s wider strategy and the vision behind the capital works project. She spoke candidly about funding, income generation […]
Curating Art and Climate Change, A Visionary Talk by Kenneth Paranada
Can museums become engines of climate action? Kenneth Paranada, the UK’s first curator of art and climate change, believes they can, and his work at the Sainsbury Centre is proving it. In a thought-provoking talk, Paranada explored how art can help us imagine new worlds, spark dialogue, and inspire action […]