From collections management and interpretation to research and public engagement, artificial intelligence presents new possibilities for museums. It also raises fundamental questions about ethics, transparency, professional judgement and public trust.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in our working lives, museums need more than an understanding of the technology. They need the knowledge, confidence and critical perspective to make informed decisions about its use.

Whether you’re new to AI, developing organisational policy, already experimenting with its applications or simply curious about its potential, join us to explore real-world examples, challenge assumptions and exchange ideas with colleagues from across the sector.

Bringing together expertise from museums, academia and the wider AI sector, the forum will examine the ethical, practical and organisational implications of AI for museums.

Dr Oonagh Murphy (Goldsmiths, University of London), Dr Órla Murphy (University College Cork), Laura Plunkett (CeADAR) will explore questions of governance, responsibility and public trust, while Timothy Keefe (Chester Beatty), Dr Sun Park (University College Dublin) and Antony Matsepa (The AI Sanctuary) will offer perspectives on emerging applications, digital heritage and AI literacy.

Together, these contributions will provide a critical and practical perspective on how museums can engage with AI confidently and responsibly – from ethical challenges and organisational governance to reconstructing lost soundscapes, preserving AI-generated heritage and building essential AI literacy