Scotland’s museums and galleries will collaborate in and outside of the sector to tackle challenges, maximise opportunities, create efficiencies, and deliver mutual benefits for partners and communities.

This is one of the key aims set out in Scotland’s museums and galleries strategy. From informal meetings to long-term partnerships, a collaborative approach can introduce new perspectives to all areas of your work and increase the resilience of your organisation.

You can read the collaboration priority area and actions in full on our strategy hub.

If you’re looking to build collaboration into more of your work, you’ll find plenty of helpful information in the resources below.

Collaboration case studies

From innovative digital engagement hubs to creative community partnerships and joint marketing campaigns, our website has lots of inspiring examples of successful collaboration.

Top Ten Tips for a successful museum partnership

Set parameters, share experiences, and shout about success: these are just some of the top tips highlighted in this article by Emma Halford-Forbes from Dundee Heritage Trust and Sarah Burry-Hayes from University Museums in Scotland.

Going Places: Touring and shared exhibitions in the UK

Get an overview of touring and shared exhibitions in this report by Art Fund and Creative Scotland. You can also find out more by visiting the Touring Exhibition Group website.

Museums and galleries map

Remember to use the interactive museums and galleries directory on our website: it’s been designed to encourage connections and collaboration between museums.

GWL Origins: Pre-Internet Community Building

This exhibition explores how Glasgow Women’s Library organised and engaged with grassroots feminist activism in an analogue world.

There’s lots we can learn by making connections and sharing experiences. Make a start on collaboration by answering these questions:

We welcome partnership applications for MGS funding, and would really like to see more!

Have you identified opportunities for collaboration with other museums, galleries, and organisations? If so, our grants section has guidance on how to develop and submit joint funding applications.

We’re always seeking to work with new and existing partners across a range of projects and themes.

In order to create the most mutually beneficial partnerships, all our projects are established on a foundation of flexibility and collaboration in the areas of payment schedules, timetables, working patterns, and objectives.

Although we’re not currently authorised to provide legal advice on these areas, we’re always happy to chat about them, suggest resources, and recommend relevant contacts. Please get in touch if you have any queries.

Collaborative approaches are key to all aspects of the strategy for Scotland’s museums and galleries. Achieving the strategy’s collaboration aims can have a positive impact on your progress towards the place, skills & confidence, and financial resilience priority areas, too.

Our next update will focus on the education priority area of the national strategy. If you have any resources, case studies, or questions relating to the collaboration or education priority areas, please get in touch.