Governance, Ethics and Social Sustainability
Explore frameworks and resources addressing the social and ethical dimensions of sustainability, including inclusion, accessibility, human rights, community participation, and responsible institutional governance.
Agency, Participation and Solidarity: People-Centred Sustainable Development
United Kingdom / International | Published: January 2026
Developed by Henry McGhie of Curating Tomorrow, this guide explores the relationship between sustainable development, human rights, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It examines how museums and cultural institutions can support participation, strengthen individual and collective agency, and create enabling conditions for sustainable development. The publication encourages institutions to connect community-led initiatives with institutional responsibility and governance.
Inclusion on Museums: A Collection of Best Practices
Serbia
Developed by the Faculty of Fine Arts in Belgrade and the Museum of Contemporary Art Belgrade, in partnership with the Union of the Blind in Serbia, this toolkit provides practical guidance for improving accessibility in museums. It focuses on multisensory approaches, including tactile interpretation, audio resources, and accessible descriptions, offering concrete recommendations for institutions seeking to create more inclusive exhibitions and visitor experiences.
Gender and Sexuality Inclusion Toolkit for Museums, Heritage and Cultural Institutions
Canada
Developed by the BC Museums Association, this toolkit supports museums, galleries, and heritage organisations in advancing gender and sexuality inclusion. It provides guidance for strengthening 2SLGBTQIA+ representation, improving institutional practices, and creating more welcoming environments for diverse communities. The resource is particularly relevant to smaller organisations seeking practical approaches to inclusion with limited resources.
LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in European Museums: An Incomplete Guideline
Europe | Published: 2024
Published by the Network of European Museum Organisations (NEMO), this guideline examines how museums can strengthen LGBTQIA+ inclusion through institutional policies and professional practices. Drawing on contributions from museum professionals across Europe, it offers reflections and recommendations for improving representation, accessibility, and participation. The publication encourages museums to recognise inclusion as an ongoing institutional responsibility.
Access Toolkit for Artworkers
International
Developed by artists and cultural practitioners working from a Disability Justice perspective, the Access Toolkit provides practical guidance for producing accessible artistic and cultural projects. It addresses access planning, budgeting, working conditions, exhibition design, and inclusive production processes. The resource supports curators, producers, arts administrators, and institutions seeking to embed accessibility throughout their activities.
Climate Adaptation and Environmental Action – NAVA
Australia
The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) includes climate adaptation and environmental action within its Code of Practice for the Australian visual arts sector. Its recommendations recognise the role of artists and cultural organisations in responding to environmental challenges and encouraging social change. The resource connects environmental responsibility with ethical principles and professional standards across the arts.
Moved to Action: Activating UNDRIP in Canadian Museums
Canada
Developed by the Canadian Museums Association in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 67, Moved to Action examines museum policies and practices in relation to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The initiative provides recommendations for strengthening institutional accountability, Indigenous participation, and relationships between museums and Indigenous communities.
Gallery Climate Coalition – Ethical Fundraising Strategy
International
The Gallery Climate Coalition's Ethical Fundraising Strategy outlines principles for assessing sources of financial support while safeguarding institutional values and independence. It addresses the ethical implications of fundraising and the importance of aligning financial relationships with environmental commitments. The document provides a reference for cultural organisations seeking to develop more transparent and responsible funding policies.
ACMI – Disability & Inclusion Action Plan 2023–2025
Australia | Strategic period: 2023–2025
ACMI's Disability & Inclusion Action Plan 2023–2025 outlines measures to improve accessibility and inclusion across the museum's activities and operations. Developed in consultation with Deaf and disabled artists, advocates, and sector organisations, the plan builds on previous institutional commitments. It provides an example of how museums can translate accessibility principles into structured actions informed by lived experience.