If you have ever wandered into a small, quirky museum tucked away on a high street or explored a larger, independent heritage site, chances are you have encountered the work of a member of the Association of Independent Museums (AIM).
Established in 1977, AIM is a vibrant and essential organisation dedicated to supporting independent museums across the UK. With over 1,000 members, ranging from tiny community-run gems to some of the country’s most visited attractions, AIM is the backbone of the independent museum sector, helping these institutions thrive and continue to tell the stories that matter most to their communities.
What does AIM do?
At its core, AIM is all about empowering museums. Whether it is through grants, training, research, or advocacy, AIM provides the tools and resources that independent museums need to flourish. In 2024 alone, AIM awarded 124 grants worth over £750,000, helping museums care for their collections, engage with new audiences, and recover from the challenges of the pandemic. From supporting anti-racist initiatives in Wales to funding projects that combat loneliness through volunteering, AIM’s grants make a real difference to museums and the communities they serve.
But it is not just about money. AIM also offers practical support and expertise. Through its popular leadership development, micro-consultancies and mentoring programmes, AIM helps museum professionals develop their skills, build resilience and connect with peers. Whether it is through leadership training, governance consultancy, or workshops on everything from fundraising to inducting new trustees, AIM ensures that museums have the knowledge and confidence to tackle the challenges they face.
A community of passion and purpose
AIM’s members come in all shapes and sizes. Some welcome thousands of visitors a year, while others are small but mighty, run by passionate volunteers. What they all have in common is a deep love for heritage and storytelling. From small museums with fewer than 20,000 visitors a year to larger visitor attractions with nationally significant collections, AIM represents the full spectrum of independent heritage organisations. What unites them is a shared passion for preserving and sharing local history, culture, and community stories. AIM’s role is to ensure that every member, no matter their size or location, feels seen, heard and supported.
One of the highlights of AIM’s year is its National Conference, a chance for members to come together, share ideas, and celebrate their achievements. In 2024, over 300 delegates gathered at the Black Country Living Museum for two days of inspiring talks, practical workshops and plenty of good humour. It is events like these that remind us that while independent museums may be scattered across the country, they are never alone in the challenges they face and the support they can offer each other.
Advocacy and innovation
AIM is not just a support network, it is also a powerful voice for the independent museum sector. Through research, advocacy, and partnerships with and support from organisations like Arts Council England, Welsh Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Pilgrim Trust and the Jula Rausing Trust, AIM ensures that the unique needs and strengths of independent museums are understood and valued by policymakers and funders. In 2023, AIM published two important reports: one exploring how museums can connect emotionally with their audiences, and another updating research on admissions pricing policies. These insights help museums make informed decisions and continue to innovate in how they engage with visitors. In 2024, AIM’s refreshed Economic Impact report and toolkit helped museums understand and promote their value to their regional economies, crucial data for building local influence.
Support to flourish
AIM’s work is driven by a simple but powerful belief: independent museums matter. They are the keepers of local stories, the champions of community pride, and the places where history comes alive. AIM’s role is to make sure they continue to have the resources, knowledge and support they need to flourish
To learn more about AIM and the work they do, visit aim-museums.co.uk