Introduction to Contemporary Museum Financial Management

This chapter introduces the book, Financial Management in Museums, which provides comprehensive resources for teaching and learning about financial management that is tailored to arts and cultural organizations, particularly museums. Drawing on the extensive experience and perspectives of the editors and authors, the book brings together interdisciplinary scholars and practitioners to explore nuanced and contextual aspects of museum financial management. It uniquely integrates societal pressures and issues into financial practices, recognizing museums’ distinctive role in the public and nonprofit sectors as well as being part of the creative economy. Intended for faculty, advanced students, and museum professionals, this edited volume covers museum financial management topics such as revenue generation, expense management, and budgeting. The book also discusses strategic planning, ethical considerations, and sustainability. Additionally, it explores innovative funding approaches and financial strategies, addressing the impact of external influences and technological innovations on financial practices within the museum sector. The diverse international authorship ensures broad perspectives, making this book an essential resource for navigating the complex financial landscapes of museums.