‘Collecting the New Past: developing representative collections of the present for the future’ National Museums Scotland National Training Programme Report for Contemporary Collecting Symposium, 21 November 2022

Abstract

• This report outlines the discussion and outcomes of the contemporary collecting symposium held by National Museums Scotland in November 2022. The symposium covered three key themes: how contemporary objects represent current issues in Scotland and contribute to expanding representation in museum collections; collecting with communities; and care of short-lifespan material. Through the contributions, it became evident that contemporary collecting presents an opportunity to emphasise the collecting of people and their experiences, and to diversify our collections. The need for good relationship-building, with communities and between colleagues, was also highlighted as a way to achieve successful collections development and long term care of contemporary material.