Skip to content
MDM

Power of Place event brings Midlands museums together for a day of ideas, stories and celebration

Zoomed out shot of Birmingham ThinkTank.
Archived

Thinktank Birmingham came alive yesterday as museums and heritage organisations from across the Midlands gathered for Museum Development Midlandโ€™s Power of Place event.

The day brought people together to share stories, compare approaches, and learn from projects that are shaping how museums work with their communities.

The programme moved between case studies, short talks and relaxed conversations. Many attendees said that hearing first hand accounts from fellow museum teams helped them see their own challenges in a new light. Others spoke about how good it felt to step away from the daily rush and reconnect with colleagues from across the region.

The event was also a chance to recognise outstanding work through the Midlands Museum Awards. The announcements added real excitement to the afternoon and sparked plenty of discussion about what is possible when teams are brave and imaginative. You can read about the winners here

Feedback from the day has been incredibly positive. People commented on how well organised it was, how friendly the atmosphere felt, and how much they valued the chance to meet others who understand the pressures and pleasures of the sector. Many left with new contacts, new ideas and a sense of shared purpose.

Buttercrumble rounded off the event with a digital artwork that captured the spirit of the day. Their piece brought together themes that ran through the sessions, including collaboration, community and creativity. It was a fitting way to close a gathering built on shared learning.

We will be sharing photos soon. They tell the story of a sector that cares deeply about its communities and continues to push forward, together.

Published Date:

MDM Power of Place 2025 delegates sitting in auditorium in conversation.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Mansfield Museum staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place presentation by Avoncroft Museum in auditorium.
Zoomed out photograph of MDM Power of Place 2025 delegates sitting in auditorium watching presentations.
MDM Power of Place 2025 presentation by Melton Museum on Villiers Revealed.
MDM Power of Place 2025 delegates in conversation.
MDM Power of Place 2025 delegates in conversation.
MDM Power of Place event 2025, delegates chatting.
MDM Power of Place 2025 delegates making refreshments at a busy table.
MDM Power of Place 2025 delegates standing in auditorium in conversation.
MDM Power of Place 2025 delegates sitting watching presentations.
MDM Power of Place 2025 Spalding Gentlemen Society giving presentation.
MDM Power of Place 2025 museum presenters taking a selfie.
MDM Power of Place 2025 museum presentation titled 'what on earth does LGB got to do with the black country?'.
MDM Power of Place 2025 West Midlands Police Museum giving presentation.
MDM Power of Place 2025 delegates sitting in auditorium in conversation.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Tamworth Castle Museum staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards International Bomber Command Centre Museum staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Mansfield Museum staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Sir Joseph Banks Society staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards West Midlands Police Museum staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Mansfield Museum staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Stourbridge Glass Museum staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Museum staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Bilsthorpe Heritage Centre staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Melton Museum staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Melton Museum staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Sir Joseph Banks Society staff receiving award.
MDM Power of Place MDM Awards Mansfield Museum staff receiving award.
Photo of a screen showing Buttercrumble's Chloe introducing some of the artwork she produced for MDM's Power of Place. This slide says 'an inclusive culture'.
MDM word diagram on Impact by Buttercrumble.
MDM word diagram on Community, Creativity and Sustainability by Buttercrumble.
MDM word diagram around Dynamic Collections by Buttercrumble.
Accessibility diagram with info about how museums are accessible, including sensory packs, digital collections, bright and early opening, large print, magnifying glasses, baby hour, funding, touch this!.
An Inclusive Culture.
An image of a medal saying 'We are winners'.

Newsletter Sign Up

To receive regular updates on our training, support programmes and grants please sign up for our newsletter.