The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) have today published 'Opening Up Spaces: bringing new people into museums, libraries and archives by supporting self-organised learning'. Opening Up Spaces showcases innovative projects that offer practical ways in which the cultural sector can open up its resources to engage with their community and answer their needs for informal learning. It celebrates the commitment from museums, libraries and archives to be at the forefront of a thriving culture of lifelong learning within local communities.
As Local Authorities become the lead accountable bodies for Informal Adult Learning, this publication identifies the vital contribution museums, libraries and archives can play in the local learning infrastructure.
Responding to the call for more spaces for informal adult learning set out in the Government White Paper, ‘The Learning Revolution’; the MLA has provided grants from an Informal Adult Learning Challenge Fund to encourage the opening up of spaces in the cultural sector to self-organised learning groups. The White Paper promotes a joined up vision for informal adult learning, suitable for the 21st century, bringing together partners across government, local authorities and the community sector to enable more people to enjoy learning throughout life.
Natasha Innocent, MLA, said: “Museums, libraries and archives are inspiring spaces with learning at their heart. They naturally support individuals and families to learn together and from each other. By opening up their spaces to self-organised groups of learners, museums, libraries and archives can play an important role in helping to increase the amount of learning opportunities that local people can access and enjoy.”
To find out more about informal adult learning and ‘Open Spaces’ please contact:
Natasha Innocent
Senior Policy Adviser Learning and Skills
MLA
natasha.innocent@mla.gov.uk
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