Spotlight On: Martha Robbins, Fundraising Officer at Bristol Museums

Every so often we like to shine the spotlight on our members, and in this case one of the members of the Bristol Initiative. We sat down with Martha Robbins, Fundraising Officer at Bristol Museums to talk about their life at Bristol Museums and their relationship with the Bristol Initiative.

Sam Harrison: Tell us about your role – what do you have responsibility for? What does a typical day look like? 

Martha Robbins: My name is Martha Robbins and I am a Fundraising Officer. I work in the Development Team at Bristol Museums, where every day is different. Monday I’m producing city-wide poster designs, Tuesday I’m creating social media content with celebrity artists, Wednesday I’m organising boat rides and crane-driving experiences for corporate members, Thursday I’m representing the Museums service at a community event, and Friday I’m collaborating with my amazing colleagues on exciting new exhibitions. In my role, I’m not just responsible for generating income, but inspiring our supporters, engaging the public, and making our donors feel seen and appreciated.

SH: What does your organisation do? Why do you like working for them? 

MR: Bristol Museums Development Trust (BMDT) is the independent charity of several iconic Bristol attractions, including M Shed and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. BMDT funds some seriously wonderful community and conservation projects, connecting the people of Bristol and the wider world with art, history and culture. 

At work I get to see the impact of BMDT’s funding in a way the public might not. I’ve seen painstaking conservation work to restore 200-year-old fine art. I’ve seen the craftsmanship of frame makers, and the love and care with which they treat artwork.

I’ve facilitated corporates funding the coach fees that were all that was stopping children from areas of higher deprivation seeing their first exhibition. And I’ve seen school trips getting inspired at our sites so many times.

I’ve been to Art Shed, our artistic support group for those at risk of isolation worsening existing mental health issues. I’ve heard the stories from those who say Art Shed saved their lives after experiencing abuse or trauma.

There is so much more to museums than buildings full of ‘stuff,’ and it is through funding thought-provoking and creative projects that the 2 million objects in our care can improve lives in our communities.

SH: Why have you joined the Bristol Initiative? 

MR: Some of our most successful work happens when we work together with companies in the South West. From hugely popular exhibitions to small community workshops, there are so many ways businesses can make a real impact in our city through sponsorship and membership with Bristol Museums. We’re here to make connections and find partners who share our vision for museums changing lives in Bristol.

SH: Where is your favourite place to visit in Bristol?

MR: I can’t pick one so in no particular order:

• Knowle to see my Nan
• Bris to see my other Nan
• A walk around the docks
• Biking to Lady Smythe’s via Sea Walls
• The toys/ nick-nack shop in the corner of St Nick’s Market 
• Sunday Market at Tobacco Factory
• Shopping on Gloucester Road (where I had my first Saturday job!)
• Gigs at The Louisiana, Thekla and The Fleece
• Spike Island & Arnolfini
• And dare I say… the office? (Bristol Museum & Art Gallery)

If you are a member of a Business West Chamber of Commerce and would like to be featured in a blog just like this one then you can get in touch.