Coronavirus (COVID-19)

All AIM Coronavirus resources on e.g. Finance, HR and 1-1 advice can be accessed here.

AIM Advocacy

25 February 2021 – Sector organisations, including AIM, met with DCMS early on Wednesday to discuss the UK Government’s roadmap out England’s current lockdown. Read the full update and statement from AIM Director, Emma Chapin here>>

23 February 2021 – In response to the publication of the roadmap to reopening in England on 22 February, whilst outdoor attractions can open at step 2, we understand the considerable disappointment that indoor museums and galleries cannot open until step 3. We’re seeking clarification on the reasoning for this, emphasising the further support and investment needed if our fragile sector loses this vital trading period. Our guidance pages will be updated as more information becomes available. Please do get in touch if you need urgent help in the meantime – [email protected]

6 July 2020 – We welcomed the recent announcement of UK government support of £1.57bn for the cultural sector. In our ongoing advocacy work, AIM and other sector bodies and partners are pushing hard the fact that speed and ease of access to that support is of the essence. We are in regular discussion with DCMS and Arts Council England, amongst others and continue to make that case, highlighting

  • that limited cash reserves threaten the survival of independent museums;
  • that those museums need grants not loans;
  • that the repurposing of existing funds is required now;
  • that collections are at risk;
  • that the sector is important to placemaking, and to the UK as a whole

AIM in the news 

AIM’s ongoing advocacy on behalf of its members and the wider independent museum sector continues. As well as discussions with key sector and governmental organisations, AIMs leadership team have been speaking to the media on a regular basis.

Wed 24 June, LBC radio

AIM Chair, Andrew Lovett spoke to the Darren Adam show about the challenges facing the independent museum sector and the need for ongoing government support.

Tuesday 30 June, Wired

AIM Vice Chair Marilyn Scott joins several AIM members speaking to technology, science and culture magazine Wired on the impacts of Covid 19 across the sector.

Read article

Friday 3 July LBC radio

AIM Chair, Andrew Lovett spoke to the Andrew Pierce show highlighting the ongoing financial realities facing museums as some prepared to open their doors to the public for the first time since lockdown.

Sunday 5 July, BBC Radio 4 The Westminster Hour

This piece on independent museums on Radio 4’s Westminster Hour featured AIM Director Emma Chaplin and AIM members Dr Jenner’s House and the Florence Nightingale Museum. It was broadcast just as UK government announced welcome sector support.

Wednesday 8 July, The Guardian

AIM Chair Andrew Lovett contributes to a detailed piece in The Guardian on how museums and galleries are approaching reopening.

Read article

Thursday 9 July, The Art Newspaper

AIM refutes the analysis of the Creative Industries Federation’s report on coronavirus impact – questioning its modest assessment of a 9% reduction in revenues.

Read article

Sunday 12 July, BBC Radio London

AIM Chair, Andrew Lovett interviewed on the changing world for museums.

Monday 10 August, Museum+Heritage Advisor

AIM Chair, Andrew Lovett encourages museums to apply for a share of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund

Read article

Sunday 11 October, BBC London

Feature on reopening challenges from BBC London News featuring independents including London Transport Museum, Florence Nightingale Museum and The Postal Museum and an overview from the AIM Chair.

Read feature

Your input 

AIM is continually gathering intelligence and advocating for appropriate support for museums. If you have specific issues you would like us to be aware of contact us on [email protected]