Museums Association Annual Conference takes place in BT Convention Centre Liverpool, October 2008

3 Oct 08

EUROPE'S LEADING EVENT FOR MUSEUM PROFESSIONALS:
Museums Association Annual Conference takes place in BT Convention Centre Liverpool, October 2008

The Museums Association (MA) is holding its annual conference and exhibition in Liverpool, at the new BT Convention Centre. The conference runs 6-8 October and the exhibition 6-7 October.

The MA annual conference is the most high-profile event for museums and galleries in the UK and sees around 1,400 professionals coming together to discuss the key issues affecting the sector. For 2008 the conference joins in the celebrations of Liverpool’s tenure as European Capital of Culture.

A diverse programme guarantees something for everyone. Among the keynotes speakers are Phil Redmond and Sir Christopher Frayling. Phil Redmond looks at how Liverpool has been reimagined over the years and remained an enduring cultural force. Sir Christopher Frayling explores how museums and galleries can unlock the creative potential of their collections.

Keynote speakers:

• Andy Burnham, secretary of state for culture, media and sport

• Phil Redmond, writer, broadcaster and recently-appointed chair for National Museums Liverpool

• David Fleming, director, National Museums Liverpool

• Christopher Frayling, author and chairman, Arts Council England

• Virginia Tandy, director, Manchester City Galleries and current president of the Museums Association

• Susan Legene, professor of political history Vrije University Holland

Jacquie Rogers, General Manager of the BT Convention Centre, said: "The Museums Association is one of the leading arts organisations in the UK, and we are delighted it is hosting not only its conference but also an exhibition at the convention centre.
 
"Liverpool has more museums and galleries than anywhere outside London so it is particularly apt that the association chose this city to hold its flagship conference."

Other sessions include Deyan Sudjic exploring architectural excellence in museums and Sir Brian McMaster discussing his influential report Supporting Excellence in the Arts with a panel of high-profile commentators including Sharon Heal the editor of Museums Journal.

There are three major themes of conference this year:

• Collections' life cycles challenges delegates to think differently about their collecting legacies and possibilities. Curated by Sally Cross, Museums Association Collections coordinator

• Democracy and dialogue looks at how museums are now seen as sites to involve citizens in debate on social issues. Curated by Bernadette Lynch, museum writer and consultant.

• Places and spaces engages with architects, designers and academics to ask how museums can create inclusive and accessible environments. Curated by Suzanne MacLeod, senior lecturer and programme director, art museum and gallery studies, University of Leicester.

Alongside the three major themes, other currents of conversation run through conference including sustainability, new agendas in learning and in staffing, and the treatment of difficult histories.

Running concurrently with conference in the BT Convention Centre is the Exhibition which features a host of companies supplying products and services to the industry, and a seminar programme looking at industry trends and technology. The exhibition is free to visitors.

For more information about Conference 08 please see the MA Website:
www.museumsassociation.org/conference