Eplore how museums can use the power of collections in advocacy, activism and co-production. Discover practical examples of museum engagement which act as an emotional encounter in service of social justice initiatives. At this study day we will profile the role of museums in terms of challenging inequality – the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within society –and how museums can exercise their power towards challenging the status quo. What does it mean / look like to explicitly occupy museum spaces in social justice? How do museums safeguard both themselves and others during the process? How does the institution change and respond to being part of social justice narratives? What does trust look like during this process?

This panel of museum learning specialists will share case studies on museums engaging with social justice via their collections and practice. The workshop will seek to build a consensual space for sharing, populated with care and emotion rooted in conversation and refection.

Workshop leader Jon Sleigh (he/him) is a learning officer, learning curator and art history writer. He works freelance nationally as a specialist in fine art engagement with a diverse portfolio of arts institutions, museum and heritage sites across the UK. Clients include The National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, The National Archives, Historic Royal Palaces, Art Fund, V&A, Government Art Collection DCMS and the Arts Council Collection. Prior to this Jon worked for Birmingham Museums Trust / The Arts Collection in Round One of the acclaimed ACE National Partners Programme. Jon has built a strong reputation for innovation, applied ethics and delivery of projects reflecting inclusive futures. He has a passion for challenging and underrepresented narratives in art – co-producing with communities and bringing their lived experience to artworks for advocacy.