How can local museums in Wales use the idea of young people as 'active citizens' to demonstrate social value?

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The Senedd and Elections Bill 2019 will lower the voting age to 16 in Wales.Changes to the National Curriculum in Wales emphasise young people as 'ethical,informed citizens' ( Welsh Government 2015: 1). However, a report by the YouthParliament found that only 10% of school children had received political education(Welsh Youth Parliament 2019: 13) I focus on museums as provider ofeducation,who could help to address this gap. Museums 'can support conversationand action (around political issues) (Newell 2016:1).Wales is a leader in youth empowerment. The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act(2015) focuses on equality. Equality ' remains hugely salient as an organisingconcept for the struggle against political marginalisation' (Armstrong 2006:2). Manyyoung people remain dependent on others, e.g parents, and 'dependent people cancome to become marginalised' ( Yang 1997b:125 quoted by Armstrong 2006:98).The Museums Association is concerned about the impact of Brexit on 'thecommunities that museums serve'(Museums Association 2016:1). This politicalcontext has raised uncertainty over the future of museums both in the UK and inWales as a devolved nation.This research would contribute to understanding of the role ofmuseums in the emerging field of heritage and political education.Political education is of growing importance in Wales.It would widen understanding of young people's engagement withmuseums across contexts in Wales, informing practice and suggestingpolitical education as an area of work to prioritise in a context ofconflicting demands.