Association Of Independent Museums

A Community of Dedicated Professionals

The Association of Independent Museums (AIM) is a leading voice for the diverse range of independent museums, galleries, and heritage organisations across the UK. We stand alongside over 1000 memorable and impactful cultural establishments, united in our commitment to enriching lives and inspiring communities through shared stories and heritage.

Our Purpose

Our mission is to empower and strengthen independent heritage organisations by:

• Connecting: A supportive community where professionals can learn from each other, share experiences, and build lasting connections.
• Supporting: Access to resources, funding opportunities, and specialist advice to enhance operational effectiveness and achieve goals.
• Advocating: Raising awareness of the vital role of independent heritage organisations and influencing policy to better support the sector.

1. Support for Operations and Governance

• Access to online resources and toolkits covering key aspects of museum and gallery management.
• Guidance on legal and financial matters including VAT registration, charity finance, and HR support.
• Access to specialist advice on fundraising, marketing, and audience development.

2. Knowledge and Expertise Sharing

• Annual conferences and regional events to foster peer-to-peer learning and inspire collaboration.
• Comprehensive online resources covering diverse topics such as risk management, accessibility, and collections care.
• Access to case studies and success stories to learn from the experiences of other heritage organisations.

3. Advocacy and Policy Influence

• Representation of independent museums and galleries at national consultations and government policy development.
• Development of influential research and reports to highlight the vital contribution of the sector to society.
• Collaborative advocacy campaigns to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities faced by heritage organisations.

4. Funding and Grant Opportunities

• Access to a variety of funding programs specifically tailored to support independent heritage organisations.
• Support in applying for grants from trusts, corporate sponsorships, and other funding sources.

5. Community and Networking

• A dedicated online forum and member directory for networking and collaboration.
• Opportunities to connect with potential partners, funders, and volunteers.
• Regional and national networking events to strengthen partnerships and build connections with stakeholders.