Photo Credit: Magnetic Shots

About us

Established in 1994, Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) Victoria – formerly Museums Australia (Victoria) – has actively served as the peak body for Victorian museums for nearly three decades. Our organisation is central to the creative industries ecology, supporting over 1000 institutions across the state. We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of the sector we serve, comprising of museums, galleries, science and cultural centres, Indigenous keeping places, historical societies and houses, and botanic gardens, zoos and aquaria.

WHAT WE DO

At our core, we enable the development of quality museums and galleries by sharing knowledge, brokering expertise, and strengthening networks. These activities provide pathways to evidence-based programming and services that strategically build on the needs of an ever-changing sector.

Through our work, we aid in the long-term preservation of and access to Victoria's rich cultural heritage. We advocate for best practice in collections care, experience development, storytelling and space activation. With the generous support of Creative Victoria, we work with sector members through key initiatives like the Museum Accreditation Programs and Victorian Collections to build their capacities for safe-guarding collections, creating successful public outcomes and engendering positive community impacts.

OUR CHARTER

AMaGA Victoria promotes collecting organisations to all levels of government and the community, and fosters high standards in all aspects of museum and gallery management through research, policy formulation, publications, and training. AMaGA Victoria offers opportunities for advancement for paid staff, volunteers, contractors, and others interested in museums.

As the peak body for the Victorian museum and gallery industry, AMaGA Victoria aims to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas in ways which affirm the value of museums, stimulate debate about principles and standards, and inform and inspire staff, volunteers and supporters.

OUR VISION

A dynamic Victorian museum and gallery sector embedded in community.

OUR PURPOSE

To enable and inspire change in our sector and how people see and understand the world.

OUR GOALS

  • We are a conduit, connecting the sector to itself, Victorians and the world.

    • Delivering and promoting face-to-face and digital opportunities to encourage sector networking, discussion, and knowledge-sharing

    • Regularly communicating with members and the wider sector

    • Providing expert guidance through sharing resources, knowledge and networks

    • Outwardly promoting the activities and initiatives of the Victoria cultural sector

  • We grow capability across the sector.

    • Providing accessible, relevant and affordable professional development and practical training that educates, stimulates and challenges

    • Collaborating with users and stakeholders to design programs and services

    • Supporting industry standards and peer recognition

    • Developing an understanding of ethics responsive to contemporary practice

  • We give a voice to the sector, celebrating its strengths and contributions.

    • Celebrating and building the role of museums and galleries as drivers of social, cultural, educational and economic growth

    • Providing platforms and opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and contributions of our sector

    • Communicating sector needs, concerns and goals to key stakeholders, giving a voice to our membership

  • We support the sector in responding to the key challenges and opportunities of our time.

    • Promoting innovation, creativity, diversity and inclusion

    • Providing thoughtful sector leadership in a rapidly changing world

    • Building sustainability and resilience for ourselves and across the sector

    • Encouraging and engaging in difficult conversations

    • Delivering programming that is relevant to the emerging needs of the sector