Association of Independent Museums (AIM) - Economic Value of the Independent Museum Sector: Toolkit (2019 Edition) and Economic Impact of the Independent Museum Sector 2019

DC Research, in partnership with Durnin Research, were appointed by the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) to update the AIM Economic Impact Toolkit and to estimate the Economic Impact of the Independent Museums Sector.

Since it was first published in 2010 and revised in 2014, the AIM Economic Impact Toolkit has helped museums all around the UK demonstrate the value they bring to their local economies. The toolkit enables independent museums – AIM members and non-members – to assess the economic impact of their museum through tourism, employment and spend on goods and services. The toolkit has been used by local authority and other types of museums to assess their economic impact.

“We know that the Economic Impact Assessment toolkit has been incredibly useful for so many AIM members and we want to make sure that it continues to be an effective advocacy tool in the future,” said Emma Chaplin, Director, AIM.

According to Dr Stephen Connolly, Director, DC Research Ltd, “The findings from the study will provide an up-to-date analysis of the overall economic contribution of the independent museum sector to the economy – and this evidence will help support museums in making the case for resources and investment from funders both within and beyond the heritage and cultural sectors”.

The study was published in October 2019, and the summary report and toolkit are available via:https://www.aim-museums.co.uk/aim-report-toolkit-highlights-significant-economic-impact-independent-museum-sector/