‘Local Matters’, led by Dr Carl Emery and Louisa Dawes from the University of Manchester, advocates for a different response to addressing the needs of children and families living in poverty. The programme explores research-based alternatives to the current ‘one-size-fits-all’ model that dominates work on poverty, disadvantage and schooling.

Manchester Museum and Local Matters are working collaboratively to develop and deliver a cultural organisations’ pilot programme that addresses how poverty and disadvantage are understood and responded to within the museum and through its relationships and activities.

We are carrying out a large-scale research project in Ardwick, one of its local communities, which has significant levels of inequality, poverty and deprivation. Staff will explore what is known about poverty, both locally and nationally, and apply this knowledge to make changes to museum practice and policy.