‘Dissent: inspiring hope, embracing change’ will be the theme for the UK’s Museums Association (MA) Conference and Exhibition 2018, taking place at the newly renamed ICC Belfast – formerly Waterfront Hall.

The theme has been chosen by the MA due to the current challenging times facing museums in the country and sessions on Brexit, conflict in Northern Ireland and gender and identity politics will be held to reflect this.

Attendees will hear talks from museum professionals from the world over during the three-day event, taking place from 8-10 November, including a final keynote Belfast-born writer and broadcaster Glenn Patterson.

"The MA has a Nations Policy, which means we strive to work across the UK to deliver our services to all our members and to understand the devolved policy context. Holding our annual conference in Belfast is part of delivering that commitment," said Museums Association director Sharon Heal.

"We live in a time of rapid change and turbulence and museums can provide forums for discussion and debate on some of the really challenging topics of the day. We can use our collections to reflect on the past and influence the future.

"We need to adapt to the change around us in order to survive and sessions at the conference will help us think about how to do that as well as giving us the practical tools for survival."

Other speakers at the event include Argentinian artist Americo Castilla, American museum consultant/advisor Elaine Gurian and Irish poet and playwright Rita Ann Higgins.