Technological Impact on Public Engagement in Alternative Educational and Heritage Institutions

Abstract

Cultural institutions and higher education establishments in the UK face significant challenges and uncertainties in the present and foreseeable future, particularly in terms of securing ongoing funding in a period of austerity. In an era of constricting budgets, institutions are encouraged to find creative solutions to generating revenue streams and demonstrating impact, which in turn, offers ample opportunities for innovation and mutual benefit through collaboration between the academic and heritage sectors. This chapter focuses on the ‘REALab' consultancy programme, piloted and funded by the University of Manchester, which allowed a group of multidisciplinary researchers to address representation and inclusion of underrepresented groups at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester. The chapter is presented as a case study into the collaboration process between academic and heritage institutions. It will discuss the methods and success of the project and evaluate the importance of the interactive and innovative profile of the museum in the process.