ALISS at the 2025 museum and galleries symposium: highlights and reflections

The role of museums in promoting community engagement, health, and education was a major theme of the discussions throughout the day.

The Museum and Galleries Strategy Symposium 2025, organised by Museum Galleries Scotland (MGS) and held at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, brought together over 200 colleagues from museums and galleries across the country. Representing ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland), we had a day filled with learning, connection, and important discussions on the role of museums in society.

One of the most inspiring moments came from the keynote speaker, Professor David Olusoga, renowned historian, author, and broadcaster. Joining us online, he shared his reflections on the work done so far to address the historical impacts of empire and slavery, emphasising that while progress has been made, much more remains to be done. David shared his personal experience about how museums influenced his life, explaining that; “my own family, with limited support from an underfunded school, found inspiration in museums, which became remarkable engines for storytelling and education.”

David reflected on his journey of questioning the presence of looted cultural objects in museums, such as the Benin Bronzes in the British Museum in London, highlighting their significance and urging museums, as well as the larger global community, to reassess these cultural imbalances within our institutions.

The symposium also featured insights from Culture Secretary Angus Robertson, who highlighted a new £4 million Culture and Heritage Capacity Fund for 2025-26. This fund is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape and supporting the important work of museums and galleries across Scotland.

Robertson noted in this speech that having access to museums and galleries has a clear benefit to health and wellbeing. Research shows that visiting museums can reduce stress and anxiety and can have an impact on alleviating chronic pain and dementia.

Health and wellbeing is included as one of the priority areas within the current Scotland’s Museums and Galleries Strategy with the stated aim that; “Museums and galleries improve quality of life through programmes which have a positive impact on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of people in Scotland,” and MGS and the wider Museum sector are working towards a number of actions in relation to this.

At ALISS, we recognise the invaluable role that museums and galleries play in our society, not only as cultural and educational resources but also as vital components of health and wellbeing. Museums are often overlooked as spaces that contribute significantly to mental health and community connection, and that’s why we’ve linked ALISS with these institutions. We want to encourage more museums and galleries to join ALISS and offer their services to the public. By doing so, we can continue to promote the wellbeing of all individuals and help to make people in Scotland feel more connected.

Support your health and wellbeing journey today – head over to ALISS to discover local museums, galleries, and cultural gems near you.

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