The South Australian Museum has initiated a public consultation process to gather community input on its future strategic direction. Andrea Michaels, the Minister for Arts, announced the consultation process, which will involve both museum staff and the broader public.
This public engagement follows internal discussions with museum staff over the past three months, which have formed the basis of a comprehensive discussion paper now available for public input. The community is invited to offer their feedback via the YourSAy platform until 26 May 2025.
A public forum will be held on May 17th at the Adelaide Convention Centre with interested individuals invited to register to attend this event. The forum will run from 11:30am to 4pm, and will discuss the future of the museum.
In addition to online consultations and the public forum, the museum is also running an interactive activity at its Learning Centre. This free event caters to families and children, allowing them to contribute their views throughout the consultation period.
Michaels shared the importance of community involvement in shaping the museum’s strategy. “The South Australian Museum is held in high regard, and it’s incredibly important that we engage with the community about its future direction following an extensive process gathering the views of staff,” she said.
The strategy development coincides with the implementation of recommendations from the Premier’s Review, which took place in September 2024. In response, the SA Government has allocated $4.1 million in additional funding to support the museum’s operations and the strategic planning process.
SA Museum Chair Robert Saint also commented on the process and the commitment observed from the museum staff. “I’ve observed a sincere and meaningful period of reflection undertaken by the Museum after receiving the Premier’s Review recommendations in September 2024. I’m pleased we’ve worked together to set our new purpose, vision and action statement. I thank all staff for their efforts to date and in advance of upcoming consultation opportunities for our valued and diverse stakeholder groups,” reported Saint.
This consultation is part of a broader engagement strategy that includes interactions with volunteers, donors, benefactors, the academic community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, supporters, and various governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
The outcomes of this public consultation will be crucial in developing a new Strategic Plan that will direct the museum’s future initiatives and operational strategies.
For more information and to register for the public forum, visit yoursay.sa.gov.au/samstrategicplan
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