National Museums Liverpool (NML), supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is developing the National Centre for Teaching Black History as part of the redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum.
Ahead of the National Centre’s launch in 2029, NML will deliver two connected pilot programmes across the Liverpool City Region. These programmes will test and refine new approaches to teaching Black history, anti-racist education and museum learning through partnerships with schools, teachers, Initial Teacher Education (ITE) providers, artists, creative practitioners, local historians and young people.
The purpose is not simply to deliver activity, but to co-produce, test and evidence a new museum learning pedagogy that can be shared nationally through the National Centre.
The National Centre aims to demonstrate how museums and galleries can become long-term partners in curriculum delivery and enrichment, using Black history, collections, creative practice and local heritage to strengthen teaching, foster belonging and improve educational outcomes for all learners.
They believe every child should be entitled to learn Black history through authentic museum collections, heritage and the stories they tell – not because they are Black, but because this history belongs to all of us.
Specialist Partner Commission: Anti-Racist Teacher Development, Curriculum and Museum Learning, September 2026-July 2027 NML is asking the appointed partner to work as part of the wider two-year programme team during the first year of delivery, contributing specialist anti-racist education and curriculum expertise to teacher development, curriculum planning, museum learning review, Initial Teacher Education activity and reflective programme learning. The partner will not be expected to deliver a separate training programme; instead, their contribution should be integrated into the agreed programme timetable and adapted as evidence and learning emerge.
National Museums Liverpool is seeking an experienced partner with recognised expertise in anti racist education, Black history education, curriculum development, teacher professional learning, inclusive classroom practice and museum learning.
National Museums Liverpool welcomes proposals from individuals, organisations, partnerships or consortia where this brings together complementary expertise in anti-racist education, curriculum development, museum learning and teacher professional development.
Subject to budget and programme needs, NML may appoint more than one provider to deliver complementary elements
of the commission.
Please visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/freelance-opportunities for further information.