Fragile to flourishing: museum operating models

As we navigate an increasingly volatile and uncertain world, the traditional operating models that have long sustained our sector are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Fragile to Flourishing: Museum operating models in an uncertain world is a suite of resources commissioned by AIM and jointly supported by Arts Council England and DCMS to help our members transition to a position of proactive, future readiness.

This work represents a vital opportunity to rethink the fundamental approach of our institutions. By adopting a growth mindset and systemic thinking, museums can move from reactive firefighting toward game-changing influence.

The following case studies inform and accompany the wider ‘Fragile to Flourishing’ research report and are intended to provide insights into the experiences and achievements of a range of museums. They were purposefully chosen from a random selection of 30 Arts Council England accredited museums and are drawn from different scales, geographic locations and histories.

• The Bowes Museum
• The Cartoon Museum
• The Judge’s Lodging Museum
• Lightbox Gallery and Museum
• Mary Rose
• Scottish Maritime Museum
• Towner Eastbourne
• Tullie

It is notable that none of the museums featured were minded to be held up as ‘exemplars’ but were willing to share their stories in the hope that some of what they have been doing might be of interest to others. They all recognise the uncertainty of the world they are operating in and that what is working for them today may not be the case in future. The case studies capture a moment in time (compiled in 2025); each is part of an unfurling story.