National Museums NI is custodian of the national collections which includes an extraordinary 1.4 million objects that tell the story of this place, its people and our place in the world.

Our four museums – Ulster Museum, Ulster Folk Museum, Ulster Transport Museum and Ulster American Folk Park - are much-loved destinations for those who want to enjoy time out with family and friends or learn something new.

However, the impact of our work extends well beyond just recreation. We see our museums not just as custodians of history, but as catalysts for positive change. We believe that they are at their best when using their knowledge of the past to pose questions about the present and help shape a better future.

The intention of our Draft Corporate Strategy 2025-2030 is to amplify the impact of museums and collections even further, using them to spark conversation, provoke action and tackle today’s biggest challenges.

We propose doing this by focussing our impact on four key areas, which are aligned to the missions in the Programme for Government. These areas are:

1. Identity – We will champion diverse and ever-evolving identities, creating spaces where different cultures are visible and respected.
2. Peacebuilding – We will encourage courageous conversations that support the ongoing journey from conflict to lasting peace.
3. Environment – We will mobilise our museums and collections to promote environmental action and protect our shared planet.
4. Innovation – We will be a learning platform to equip a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs with skills, confidence and creativity.

The purpose of this survey is to get your views and perspectives on this strategic direction. We greatly value your input and thank you for your time in answering the survey.

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* 1. We live in a unique place with a complex history. How strongly do you agree or disagree that National Museums NI has an important role to play in telling the story of this place, its people and our place in the world?

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* 2. Our Draft Corporate Strategy states the belief that our museums are at their best when using their knowledge of the past to pose questions about the present and help inform decision making in the future. How strongly do you agree or disagree that museums are as much about the present and the future, as they are about the past?

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* 3. How strongly do you agree or disagree that our museums should be spaces for people to explore, understand and contemplate some of the challenges society faces today?

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* 4. One of the core principles in our Draft Corporate Strategy is ‘Ensuring museums are for everyone’. We are committed to our museums being spaces that are welcoming and accessible to everyone, reflecting the diversity of Northern Ireland’s population. How strongly do you agree or disagree with this core principle?

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* 5. Our Draft Corporate Strategy states that National Museums NI will champion the promotion of positive dialogue around identity, celebrating diversity and creating spaces where different cultures are respected, so we can help build a more inclusive and empathetic society. How strongly do you agree or disagree with this role?

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* 6. Our Draft Corporate Strategy states that we will encourage courageous conversations about Northern Ireland's conflict legacy and support peacebuilding efforts. Our role is to ensure that our history is told in its full complexity, with respect for the diverse experiences and perspectives that define it. How strongly do you agree or disagree that this peacebuilding role should remain a central focus for National Museums NI?

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* 7. Our Draft Corporate Strategy states that National Museums NI should play a key role in raising awareness about the environmental challenges facing society today and promoting sustainable practices. How strongly do you agree or disagree with this role?

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* 8. One of the aims in our Draft Corporate Strategy is to drive prosperity through learning and expand our focus on innovation by providing more opportunities for lifelong learning, skills development and showcasing achievements in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). How strongly do you agree or disagree that this should be a key priority for the museums?

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