Museums and galleries operate in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. The changing expectations of visitors, increased competition from leisure and entertainment, new technologies, the need to reach out to new audiences and the requirement to work within limited budgets are placing greater demands than ever on those who manage galleries and museums.

There are more than 2000 galleries and museums in the UK, ranging from internationally renowned institutions to small, locally based enterprises adopting radical approaches to programme development and marketing. In the past five years National Lottery funding has led to a large number of redevelopment and new building projects within the sector. From this wealth of experience this seminar draws out a wide range of issues that have universal relevance to those in the museum and galleries profession. Participants debate and discuss key issues as well as share best practice in museum and gallery management.

This seminar is the third in a series of international events organised by the British Council on the development and management of museums, galleries and other cultural institutions.

The programme includes presentations, case studies, and visits to a range of museums and galleries in London and elsewhere. Topics covered include:

• the role of museums and galleries in the 21st century, including their contribution to tourism and urban regeneration
• governance, management and planning
• marketing, promotion and branding
• major project management
• management, marketing, and design of temporary exhibitions
• catering, retailing, merchandising and other revenue generating activity
• adding value to the visitor experience, with local and international collaboration.

At least one formal session is included in the programme for participants to exchange information and ideas from their own museum and gallery projects. The seminar website allows networking to take place between the event directors, contributors and participants before and after the seminar.

Participant profile
This seminar covers issues of importance to directors, marketing directors and exhibition directors of museums, galleries and other cultural institutions. The seminar is also of interest to those involved on a voluntary or unpaid basis as trustees or board members, civil servants in cultural departments of national and local government, and those involved in teaching, travel and leisure management.