An exciting new vision for the for the future of our country’s story and how we can experience it has been launched by the Local Authority Museums Network (LAMN). The new 2022-2026 strategy sees the LAMN embracing the communities that they serve, ensuring the stories they tell reflect the community as a whole and are accessible by all.

A Better Experience for Those Who Are Visually Impaired

The strategy includes working with the NCBI to use new cutting-edge technology to provide a more engaging local authority museums experience for the quarter of a million people in Ireland that are blind or visually impaired.

National Roll-out of LGBTQI+ Exhibition Rainbow Revolutions

The network also announced, as part of their ongoing partnership with the National Museum of Ireland, plans to bring the Rainbow Revolutions exhibition throughout the country. This important exhibit, which was launched by the National Museum of Ireland just before the Covid pandemic, uses objects, stories and poignant oral histories to paint a picture the experiences of the LGBTQI+ community in Ireland.

Exhibitions and Events Focused on Climate Change

Climate change is a challenge that we all have to face and the Local Authority Museums Network recognizes its role in this new strategy by working in partnership with community groups and government organisations to act as a conduit in ensuring that the information we need to know is both accessible and engaging. This will be achieved through a range of exhibitions and events in the museums across the network.

The new strategy was officially launched by Minister for Heritage Malcolm Noonan TD in front of the of the historic Customs House.

Speaking at the launch the Chair of the LAMN, Marie McMahon said:

“Local museums and the collections they hold are at the heart of the communities we serve. We are a dedicated group of professionals who want to tell the story of our regions through the many different identities, abilities, experiences and passions of the people who have come before us. That myriad of people, places and events can be explored through our museums and they are for everyone.”

Minister Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage and Electoral Reform, added:

“The Local Authority Museums Network’s intention is to work with their communities to help educate and engage on the management and mitigation of climate change in Ireland. Our regional museums network spans the country and is an important local resource in helping the people they serve, to meet the challenges of climate change.”

Chris White, CEO of NCBI, welcomed the new plan and partnership with the LAMN, saying:

“For too long, many of Ireland’s cultural and historical venues, artefacts, exhibits and performances have been inaccessible to people who are blind or vision impaired. It is important their needs are considered and practical solutions such as accessible websites, availability of Braille and audio information, improved signage and lighting are all adopted. We are delighted the Local Authority Museums’ Network is prioritising greater accessibility of venues and exhibits in their new Strategic Management Plan ensuring that everyone can enjoy Ireland’s heritage.”

LAMN Strategic Plan 2022