Afterword: The Continuing Struggle for Diversity and Equality

In this Afterword, an experienced professional and scholar reviews the contents of this volume, reflects on their experience of work in the contemporary museum and discusses what she sees as the important issues in current and future museum practice. Working in the equality and diversity area at the Victoria and Albert Museum, she developed cross-institution programs, research projects, and ran a major conference on equality and diversity in museum policy and practice. The author considers these experiences in the light of the chapters in this book, commenting on a range of issues: social policy, new technology, professional identity, collaboration, audience development, and ethics. The conclusion is that there has been real progress, but that much remains to be done: leadership that is prepared to listen to the margins; a vision that incorporates all stakeholders; more strategic planning across all parts of the museum; and clearer accountability and evidence that we can contribute to public value, equality, and social justice.