Introducing Museum Bridge: A New UK Roadmap for Sustainable Global Museum Partnerships 

In 2025, ICOM UK formed a partnership with the British Council to commission an important new piece of research: to explore why and what the UK Museum sector needs to build better, stronger, more equitable and effective connections with its colleagues around the world. The initial outcomes propose the creation of Museum Bridge, a new roadmap for sustainable global museum partnerships.  

Today, ICOM UK and the British Council are delighted to share with you an overview of the research to date, launch plans for Museum Bridge, and explain how you and your organisation can get involved in the next steps.  

Research objectives 

  1. To understand how UK museums are currently engaging in international collaboration. 
  1. To identify the conditions that support and inhibit global partnership working. 
  1. To explore how the ICOM and British Council networks could be better activated to support UK museums in developing partnerships with partners and vice versa. 
  1. To develop a practical and scalable set of options to enable equitable and sustainable connections.

Research methodology 

The consultancy City Global Futures, recognised for its values-led approach, was appointed following an open-tender process. Their research took place between May and November 2025. It consisted of interviews with around 30 museum sector professionals, followed by an email survey, titled Connecting Museums Internationally, distributed to more than 3000 individuals and organisations in the UK and around the world via ICOM UK and the British Council’s distribution lists. 82 responses were received.   

The  respondents comprised:  

  • 40 UK (49%) and 42 international (51%)  individuals. 
  • 31 senior leaders (38%); 33 curatorial/collections (40%); 18 other museum professionals (22%).  
  • Representatives from 26 national (32%); 15 regional/local (18%); 13 independent/charity-run (16%). 5 university (6%); 23 other/mixed (28%) museums. 

Three online workshops, held in November 2025, brought together participants from 8 countries to discuss and refine the emerging research recommendations. It was through these shared discussions that the name “Museum Bridge” emerged.  

We are grateful to all those who dedicated their time and energy to collaborate on this research. Museum Bridge’s first recommendations, as outlined below, are based on their generous insights.  

We recognise that creating a new sustainable roadmap for global museum partnerships – with equity at its heart – will benefit from continuing to widen the consultation sample at the next stage, to include the many additional teams who valuably contribute to the public benefit delivered by museums worldwide, for example, those who work in Commercial, Communications, Development, Finance, Learning, Operations and Visitor Services.  

We also acknowledge that research methodologies and terminology are continually evolving, particularly in relation to inclusivity and the framing of complex issues such as decolonisation and restitution.  The language used in the report reflects the perspectives and preferences of research participants and is intended to represent their views as accurately as possible. 

Highlight outcomes 

As respondents answered more than 30 questions over the period, clear patterns and trends emerged, with outcomes and recommendations highlighted below.  

  • To create a model for equitable exchange of thematic and practical expertise. 
  • Within this model, long-term international museum partnerships should: 
    • Prioritise capacity building. 
    • Embed decolonisation and restitution across all areas of museum work; 
    • Facilitate equity, especially regarding visibility for regional, independent and Global South institutions. 
    • Invest in digital inclusion. 
    • Centre and support climate action. 
  • Develop a blended funding model to deliver Museum Bridge which includes public funding, sector contributions and philanthropic support. 

You can view the full report here:

How you can get involved  

This research marks an important first step for Museum Bridge. As well as reading the report, you can find out more by attending the upcoming Museum Bridge webinar – hosted by ICOM UK and led by City Global Futures – on 22 May 2026. 

Thank you for taking the time to read the Museum Bridge report. If you would like to share feedback with us, please use the following feedback form.

We will continue to share and consult on next steps as plans for Museum Bridge progress, as we develop this road map for international museum collaboration together. 

About ICOM UK 

ICOM UK is the UK’s only museum sector membership organisation with a dedicated international focus. As a professional membership body, we connect our 3500 members based in the United Kingdom and the UK’s overseas territories to the global museum community. Through participation in collaborative projects and with a lively events programme, ICOM UK actively contributes towards the international museums’ agenda. Our bursary scheme is designed to help our members participate in international museum activity.  

About ICOM 

ICOM is a membership association and a non-governmental organisation which establishes professional and ethical standards for museum activities. As forum of experts, it makes recommendations on issues related to cultural heritage, promotes capacity building and advances knowledge. ICOM is the voice of museum professionals on international stage and raises public cultural awareness through global networks and co-operation programmes. 

ICOM represents: 

  • 60410 Museum Professionals 
  • 139 Countries and Territories 
  • 120 National Committees 
  • 35 International Committees 
  • 8 Regional Alliances 
  • 21 Affiliated Organisations 

About the British Council 

The British Council is the UK’s international culture and education organisation. It supports peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. ​ 

Follow the links to find out more about ICOM UK’s and the British Council’s strategic goals.