By Adrian Gibbs, Business Development Director
Researchers from University College London (UCL) have recently concluded that “Those who engage in arts and cultural activities more frequently … appear to have a slower pace of ageing and a younger biological age, as suggested by changes to DNA.”[1]
As we move into a busy and exciting period for the cultural heritage sector, I have been very much looking forward to attending two important events in the museum and heritage calendar. Where I am expecting everyone to be looking especially youthful!
Last week on Wednesday and Thursday (13th and 14th May) I attended the Museums + Heritage Show at London Olympia. It was the usual dynamic event that attracted attendees from around the UK and the rest of the world.
In a few weeks’ time, I’ll also be attending the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) Conference at Ushaw Historic House on 10th and 11th June.
As Business Development Director at Naomi Korn Associates, these events are always a valuable opportunity to reconnect with existing clients, meet new organisations and hear directly from colleagues working across museums, galleries, archives and the wider heritage sector.
What I particularly enjoy about both events is the diversity of perspectives and experiences represented. From national museums to independent heritage organisations and community-led initiatives, the sector continues to demonstrate remarkable innovation, creativity and resilience in response to changing audience expectations, financial pressures and technological developments.
I am especially looking forward to conversations around skills and learning, digital innovation, rights and licensing, and the ways organisations are continuing to evolve while remaining committed to public access and cultural stewardship.
These events also take place just ahead of International Museum Day on Monday 18th May, which offers an important opportunity to celebrate the vital contribution museums and heritage organisations make to society. Museums play a crucial role in preserving cultural memory, supporting education, encouraging dialogue and creating inclusive spaces for communities to connect with history, creativity and ideas.
International Museum Day is also a chance to recognise the dedication and expertise of the people working across the sector, often in challenging circumstances, to ensure culture and heritage remain accessible and relevant for future generations.
Naomi Korn Associates has been providing valuable support and training in Copyright, Licensing and Data Protection, to the cultural heritage sector since 2003.
If you attended or are attending either event, or if your organisation is exploring these issues or looking for support with copyright, licensing, data protection, or digital strategy, we’d love to help. Please get in touch to see how we can work with you to build confidence, reduce risk, and unlock new opportunities.
[1] Daisy Fancourt, Lehané Masebo, Saoirse Finn, Hei Wan Mak, Feifei Bu, Does leisure activity matter for epigenetic ageing? Analyses of arts engagement and physical activity in the UK Household Longitudinal Study, Innovation in Aging, 2026;, igag038, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igag038
