Derby director’s cultural passion sees him appointed to the eminent Museums Association
Mo Suleman will start his role at the Museums Association in August - and he is looking forward to using his financial and commercial knowledge to build on the success of the sector
A Derby financial director has been appointed to a highly distinguished heritage organisation that is one of the oldest in the world.
Mo Suleman will start as treasurer at the Museums Association in August 2023.
It is said to be one of the oldest museums’ associations in the world, having been established in 1889.
Mo, who is a chartered certified accountant, former Big Four auditor and director of resources at Derby Museums and current finance director at Bloc Digital, will utilise his extensive specialist financial experience to bolster the success of the heritage sector.
Mo is an active and engaged member of the cultural community in Derby, who is following his passion for heritage by working with the eminent Museums Association.
Speaking about how his appointment came to be, Mo said: “When I left Derby Museums, I thought this would be it, in terms of my involvement with museums.
“A number of museums approached me to be their trustee, but I declined.
“My time at Derby museum was fantastic, but when the Museums Association approached me to be treasurer, I just couldn’t refuse.
“It is an absolute honour.
“It is a prestigious establishment and one of the oldest museums’ associations in the world.”
Mo’s passion for museums became apparent during the recruitment conversation with the Museums Association team.
Furthermore, it was his ability to distil and relay complex information in an easily digestible way that he says impressed the board.
Mo said: “I was able to explain and convey technical information in a really simple way which got me the role.”
What is the Museums Association?
According to its website, the Museums Association is one of the oldest in the world, which was established in 1889.
It has grown from a few museum professionals to now representing 10,000 individual members, 1,800 museums and 260 commercial members.
The Museums Association looks after UK museums, providing guidance and running campaigns for socially engaged museums, a diverse and representative workforce and empowering and dynamic collections.
Mo is relishing working at the Museums Association.
He said: “They do great work and to be able to have input into their work makes me feel like I’m in a privileged position.”
The upcoming AGM, which is well attended by approximately 1,000 industry professionals, is where Mo will be presenting accounts, something he says he is “really looking forward to”.
It is wonderful to impact cultural conversation on a national level, however Mo continues to champion local arts and culture too.
Speaking about Derby Museums, he said: “We have a vibrant museum culture here in Derby, and I find they are always punching above their weight.
“Joseph Wright is the only artist in history who has Derby in his name - doesn’t that say something?”
He explains that museums are not just places to house exhibits.
“Derby’s latest museum opening, Museum of Making, is a big success, because when it first opened its doors in 2020, it provided relief for people who were desperate for something to do.
“Not only do museums help people’s wellbeing, they also bolster economic regeneration too.
“We have organisations in Derby where you can spend a whole day in the museum, a safe place where you can stay warm, and it is free.
“Derby Museums contributes over £7million of GVA to the city of Derby.
“This is a massive impact and helps support many jobs in the city centre.
“In Derby we are lucky that every single form of art, such as Quad, Deda, Sinfonia Viva and Artcore, is supported by the Arts Council.
“Artcore especially do a great amount of work for the community that are the least privileged, they definitely need a lot more recognition.”
Many Derby Museums’ exhibitions give people the chance to share their often unique stories, while educating an ever-curious audience.
One fashion exhibition at Pickford’s House showcased Peter Feely’s sartorial collection, which included a jacket worn by Elton John.
Acknowledging the tough trading environment, Mo said: “I think museums in general, especially the regionals and specifically Derby, are doing more with less resources.
“There comes a point in time when you can’t do any more, because costs are going up, yet funding from the council - influenced by decisions made at central Government level - is decreasing.
“If Derby City Council is serious about putting culture at the heart of the city and want to be seen as a ’City of Making’ then they should increase funding and give them resources to really make a difference.”