Group for Education in Museums Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 24, August 2020

GEM has received £5,000 from Art Fund to support post-Covid-19 online learning 

GEM has received a £5,000 Professional Network Grant from Art Fund to create valuable online training as part of the ongoing efforts the membership organisation has made to support individuals and museums with the re-opening and recovery of the sector. 

This funding will enable GEM training courses to be reworked and delivered online, making them more accessible and available to the wider GEM community. At a time when support, CPD, networking and learning opportunities are crucial to the sector, GEM is proud to be offering these courses with experienced course leaders. 

Three online courses have been announced on the GEM website:

Since the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown began, GEM has been supporting members digitally through informative webinars and pivoting the training programme to be delivered online. Education Skills Sharing Sessions on Twitter connected hundreds of educators across the world in sharing best practice as well as challenges. GEM’s One to One Mentoring Programme was also launched during this time, which has supported 50+ mentees and continues in a second round with support from volunteer mentors. 

Additionally, GEM provided support to our freelance colleagues through offering a free 1- year membership and complimentary supplier listing to all eligible applicants. 161 freelance members were welcomed, and GEM is now proud to promote a robust supplier list. Currently, GEM is offering students and unwaged professionals a 1-year membership for the discounted rate of £25 as an ongoing effort to support museums and heritage learning professionals during this uncertain time. 

The Professional Network Grants from Art Fund provide funding to support Subject Specialist Networks (SSNs) and other curatorial and professional networks in sharing expertise across the museum sector, for the benefit of collections and audiences. For more information and to apply, visit the Art Fund website. 


ENDS

 

Notes to editors
For further information about GEM, images and interview opportunities, please contact: Devon Turner, GEM Communications Manager at [email protected].

About GEM
GEM is a thriving and vibrant membership network of over 1,500 museum and heritage professionals. Our vision is of a connected and equipped community of people enabling learning across museum, heritage and cultural settings, creating inspiring experiences, relevant for everyone; that promote equality – transform and enrich lives.

We at GEM are continually inspired by our members’ creativity, passion and hard work. Whether you’d like to keep up to date with the latest sector news, develop new skills, or find a new job, GEM is here to help. Find out more about how GEM can help you.

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About Art Fund
Art Fund is the national fundraising charity for art. It provides millions of pounds every year to help museums to acquire and share works of art across the UK, further the professional development of their curators, and inspire more people to visit and enjoy their public programmes. Art Fund is independently funded, supported by the 159,000 members who buy the National Art Pass, who enjoy free entry to over 240 museums, galleries and historic places, 50% off major exhibitions, and receive Art Quarterly magazine. Art Fund also supports museums through its annual prize, Art Fund Museum of the Year, which was won by St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff, in 2019, and through a range of digital platforms. www.artfund.org