In the wake of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union (EU), the Museums Association (MA) is to launch a taskforce to investigate challenges and opportunities for the UK sector in the short to medium term.

Focusing on museums that do not receive national funding, the MA taskforce will produce a state of the nation report on museums in the UK, and share potential routes to sustainability via a number of options.

Brexit will be a key focus of the taskforce, which will consider the implications of the vote and the increasing financial struggles that the UK sector is likely to face.

Using research and evidence collected during its investigation, the taskforce will act as an advocate, presenting its findings to politicians, stakeholders and the public as it offers an independent voice for museums across the UK.

“The taskforce comes at a crucial time for museums after the EU referendum and is in response to discussions we have had with members throughout the UK,” said MA director Sharon Heal.

“We want the taskforce to be future-facing and solution-focussed and to create a sustainable vision for museums.

“We are aware that there are already discussions taking place around the future of museums in England as part of the DCMS-led review of museums; in Scotland as part of Museums Galleries Scotland’s development of its national museum strategy; and in Wales as part of the Museums Archives and Libraries division's development of its museum strategy and implementation of the Expert Review of Local Museums.

“Each of the four nations of the UK has had different experiences of the funding cuts and also differing responses, and part of the purpose of the taskforce is to share experiences, learning and strategic responses. It will work through sub-groups to ensure that English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish perspectives are taken into account and that useful comparisons can be made across all four nations.”