The need for museums to innovate and harness the power of technology has been rapidly accelerated by the global pandemic, a survey by the Cornwall Museums Partnership has revealed.

As they reopen to the public, 79 per cent of museums and heritage venues in Cornwall claimed they are now actively exploring how technology can help them to future-proof their offering, while 89 per cent said the pandemic had dramatically accelerated the need to innovate.

The biggest concerns affecting museums in Cornwall in the lead up to reopening, have been logistical issues such as space, capacity and social distancing (86 per cent respondents) and funding issues and economic uncertainty (78 per cent respondents).

Roughly half of the respondents reported feeling anxious about permanent closure, reduced opening hours and job losses.

Overall, however, Cornish museums are buoyant and optimistic about the future.

Although 82 per cent anticipate that the pandemic has changed visitor expectations of museums in some way, 92 per cent are reportedly feeling positive about the future prospects of their own venues, and the wider cultural sector in Cornwall.

When asked about their impact in a post-pandemic world, 79 per cent of museums said they envisage playing more of an active role within local communities.

Many expect a high level of contribution to education and youth development (89 per cent) and to tourism and economic recovery (79 per cent), while others highlighted the important role cultural venues will play in tackling loneliness (67 per cent) and leading the way towards a more inclusive culture (60 per cent).

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To welcome visitors back, museums across the county are launching a range of new and innovative experiences, incorporating the latest in AI, machine learning and immersive technologies, as part of Cornwall Museums Partnership’s Reboot Cornwall initiative.

The initiative is designed to shine a spotlight on some of the most exciting and pioneering visitor experiences being developed by the region’s museums and heritage venues.

Emmie Kell, CEO at Cornwall Museums Partnership, said: "This study shows that Cornish museums have shown both great adaptability and resilience in the face of tremendous adversity. "Attitudes around heritage, new technology and the role of museums as important hubs in their local communities are evolving very rapidly in Cornwall and it’s exciting to see our museums leading the way for both innovation and greater inclusivity.

"We are really excited to be launching the Reboot Cornwall initiative, to get behind our museum and heritage sector as it gets back on its feet and showcase some of the fantastic experiences being offered to visitors in the coming months."

Julia Twomlow, Creative Director and CEO of PK Porthcurno – Museum of Global Communications, said: "More than ever, we have come to understand and appreciate the vital role of new technology in keeping people connected, safe and working.

"As a museum in a rural location, we believe we have an important part to play, using our history, expertise, buildings and resources to help revitalise and strengthen our community as we emerge from the pandemic.

"New technology will be a key part of this new way of working."

Senior members and leaders at over half of all Cornish museums took part in the survey, which was carried out by Cornwall Museums Partnership to examine how the pandemic has impacted on the heritage sector in Cornwall and explore how new technology will reshape visitor experiences when tourists can return to the Duchy this spring and summer.