A global conversation in three parts

In 2021, Barker Langham produced a series of three films for the International Council of Museums UK (ICOM UK) Working Internationally Conference. Each film addressed a defining issue facing museums and cultural institutions today: social justice, sustainability, and the future of museums.

Conceived during a time of disruption and uncertainty, the films brought together perspectives from cultural thinkers, curators and museum professionals around the world.

Together, the films captured a moment of critical reflection – and a shared desire to shape a more equitable, sustainable and responsive cultural landscape.

Against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement, calls to decolonise institutions, and ongoing struggles around economic and racial inequality, this first film examined how museums are confronting questions of justice – within their programming, policies and internal cultures.

The film featured interviews with curators, activists and museum leaders whose work engages deeply with questions of power and equity. From equal pay to the politics of representation, and from contemporary collecting to institutional reform, their contributions revealed how museums are moving beyond storytelling to take tangible action.

The second film considered the role of museums in the age of climate crisis. It presented stories from across the globe, showcasing institutions that are addressing environmental issues in creative and often unexpected ways.

Contributors reflected on how museums can model sustainability not only through exhibitions and programmes, but also in their operations and governance. Whether through community-led initiatives or international collaborations, the film demonstrated the capacity of cultural institutions to catalyse awareness, inspire responsibility and advocate for ecological change.

The third and final film responded to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, and broader shifts in global culture. It examined how museums are rethinking their purpose and practice in response to rapid change.

The film explored the emergence of rapid-response collecting, the challenges of digital engagement, and the importance of partnerships in building institutional resilience. At its heart was a provocation: how can museums remain responsive while planning for a future that is increasingly difficult to predict?

The ICOM UK films captured a moment of profound change in the museum sector. They offered not answers, but provocations – tools for reflection and conversation about the future of cultural work.

For Barker Langham, the films were an opportunity to bring together voices from across our global network and reaffirm our commitment to socially engaged, forward-looking practice. They remain in use across the sector, contributing to conference toolkits, educational initiatives and staff training. Most importantly, they continue to spark dialogue – about what museums are, and what they could become.