Written Ministerial Statement

The content of this written ministerial statement is as received at the time from the Minister. It has not been subject to the official reporting (Hansard) process.

Launch of Museums Policy Consultation

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Mr Lyons (The Minister for Communities):

MUSEUMS POLICY CONSULTATION

In July 2024 as part of the Heritage, Culture and Creativity Programme, I made a commitment to deliver a new policy for museums in Northern Ireland. Today marks an important step in that process.

I have long held a personal appreciation for museums and the vital role they play in our society, and I am privileged to have responsibility for this sector as Minister for Communities.

Museums are an essential part of the cultural fabric of Northern Ireland.

They are places of learning, creativity and reflection, where dialogue is encouraged.

They are places that hold many remarkable and unexpected objects and collections that help tell the story of our people, our places and our heritage.

They are heritage spaces that offer room for tranquil study and contemplation but they are also full of life, delivering a huge array of events, courses and opportunities to hear the stories of generations past, and to tell our own.

The consultation I am launching on Monday 27 April gives everyone the chance to express their views on how our heritage should be not only protected and preserved but brought into the light and brought to life, to be shared and enjoyed.