This report is intended to take stock of the UK’s national museums and galleries (those which are members of the National Museums Directors’ Conference) and to assess their place within the wider social and economic framework of society. In doing so, efforts are made to address a number of issues, including the Government’s approach to museums and galleries; the economic impact of the NMDC institutions; creativity and innovation; civic engagement and, finally, an analysis of the state of the sector. Two other reports are to be published by NMDC, considering other aspects of museum and gallery