Two years ago we launched a suite of partnership building tools based on learning from the Museum-University Partnership Initiative (MUPI), and we're thrilled that so many people have been using and finding them helpful.
These resources specifically focus on partnerships between museums and universities, although they are also relevant to a wider group of partnerships. We are currently refreshing these tools, and introducing specific versions for community university partnerships. We are really interested to learn how people have used the resources, and any improvements they would like to see. This helps us to evidence the value of the resources, as well as bring in learning to improve them.
Partnership building resources
The resources cover each stage of the partnership process, from exploring ways of working together, through the project delivery, to sustaining and scaling the work. Each tool encourages open and frank conversations between organisations, leading to effective and equal partnerships. They include:
- The MUPI Match Guide: The MUPI match events supported partnership development between museums and universities. In this comprehensive guide, the tried and tested approach is described in detail, including everything you need to create your own match event.
- Purposeful Partnerships: This card game facilitates discussions between organisations considering the purpose and priorities of their intended partnership.
- Conversation Starters: A sliding scale activity designed to stimulate conversations between partners about the nature of their partnership
- Partnership Planning: A set of cards to help people explore partnership development, suggesting actions and resources to help manage each stage of the relationship.
The Museum-University Partnership Initiative
During the two years that it ran, the MUPI project created connections between museums and university partners. Working alongside Museum Development Professionals, 7 regional and 2 National MUPI Match events were held, and were attended by over 200 people. These facilitated networking events brought together museum staff and academics, and cumulated in the opportunity to pitch for small amounts of ‘thinking funding’ to explore potential project ideas and build relationships. 77 MUPI Match projects were funded, involving 107 museums and 59 universities.
The MUPI project was an excellent opportunity to explore the dynamics between the two sectors, and we were really delighted by the momentum it generated in unlocking the potential of both sectors in mutually beneficial ways.