Written question WQ94300

The Welsh Government funds and supports the Welsh Museums Festival, a week-long celebration of museums across Wales. The Festival has been running since 2014 and is organised by the Welsh Federation of Museums and Galleries. It is taking place from 26th October to 3rd November 2024 which coincides with October Half Term. This year, forty-one museums so far are signed up to participate in the Festival with a range of events across Wales. These events are promoted on the Welsh Museums Festival website. The Welsh Federation of Museums and Galleries is also providing grants of up to £250 to enable local and independent museums to engage with the festival. The funding for these grants has been provided by Welsh Government.

The Visit Wales and Croeso Cymru website and social media channels are also used to promote independent museums. Visit Wales is currently working with the Welsh Museums Festival on commissioning social content and an article to promote the activities taking place during the upcoming festival.

Welsh Government Culture Officials work closely with Communications colleagues to ensure that independent museums are promoted across Welsh Government channels and their work is celebrated and highlighted.

In Welsh Government’s role as the museums sector development body, we have commissioned training for museums who have achieved or are working towards Accreditation. This has included training in marketing. This year we are providing Welcome Host training, helping organisations to raise the standard and delivery of customer service.