Hidden Narratives

The Hidden Narratives cohort programme will focus on uncovering and interpreting hidden or sensitive stories held within museum collections.

The Hidden Narratives cohort programme will support museums to bring these stories to light for the benefit of their local communities and visitors.

The programme will provide support and training to enable museums to explore objects or collections which have interesting or challenging stories.

Working alongside a cohort of museums, participants will attend workshops that explore current guidance and best practice and create a supportive peer network that allows for reflection on this and how it might apply to their collections. The programme will guide and support participants to explore how stories can be hidden or challenging to tell, and how they might uncover and share them in their work.

The programme will consist of an intensive support programme for up to 6 museums in the Midlands, including a programme of both in-person and online workshops delivered by sector specialists. Mentoring and peer support opportunities will be facilitated by Museum Development Midlands (MDM).

This activity sits within the MDM Inclusivity and Relevance programme and supports Arts Council England’s Let’s Create strategy.

The programme will be delivered from September 2025 until March 2026. As an outcome of participating in the programme museums will:

Gain deeper insight into hidden stories within collections and develop effective ways to document and share them.

• Receive training to investigate objects with untold or sensitive narratives.

• Develop a practical plan to implement this work within their organisation.

• Identify and address internal challenges or barriers to adopting new approaches.

• Build networks and learn from best practices across the sector.

• Understand how to access further support and align plans with funder priorities.

• Build a peer network for ongoing advice, support, and collaboration.