Between 6-8th February, 45 attendees made their way to the beautiful Trafford Hall in Chester for the second Happy Museum symposium.

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Commissioned projects, speakers, and guests from across the museum, culture and environment sectors came together to discuss issues including related to how museums can foster individual wellbeing, resilience, stronger communities and environmental sustainability. Sian Thurgood and Ailsa Strachan’s excellent Symposium Report.

Here, Head of Policy and Communication at the Museums Association, Maurice Davies, tells us to “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” while Happy Museum Director Tony ButlerAilsa Strachan of Manchester Museum and Sian Thurgood of British Museum contribute personal reflections on the event.  A storify of tweets from the event can be found here.

Here, Alison Pattison of Godalming Museum and Catherine Langabeer of Julie’s Bicycle offer provocations on the event.

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Last but absolutely not least, here is filmmaker Clive Ardagh’s short film from the symposium: https://vimeo.com/60818487.