Since 2014, the RCN Library and Museum has held a rolling programme of events for a public audience, raising awareness of nursing and its history. Each series links to the theme of our temporary exhibition and includes talks, tours, performances, arts activities and more. You can find out more and see upcoming events here: https://www.rcn.org.uk/whatson.
Our next exhibition, launching in September 2026, will focus on the history of technology, computers and digital changes in nursing, from the nineteenth century to the present day. The accompanying event programme, virtual and hybrid, will run from September 2026 - March 2027. The deadline for submissions is 12pm (midday) on Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Submit Your Ideas
We’d like to involve more RCN members in the Library and Museum programme through an open call for event proposals. You can submit your idea as an individual or as a Forum or other group.
To submit, please fill in this form: Send us your Digital Nursing Public Event Idea
Up to four ideas from members will be taken forward by the team, selected by the RCN Exhibitions & Events Strategy Group. If your idea is chosen you will need to join a virtual call with the Library and Museum team to discuss your idea and attend the event itself.
Guidance for Proposals
We love creative ideas! In the past we’ve hosted book clubs, comedy nights, life drawing, film screenings, plays, tours, treasure hunts and more.
Events must:
- Be aimed at a non-specialist audience (we do not host clinical guidance or training)
- Focus on history and/or the creative arts
- Relate to the exhibition theme of digital nursing, technology or computing
If your event is of interest but outside our budget (up to £500 per event) or does not quite fit our remit, we may suggest an alternative way to take it forward.
Closing date: Midday on 12/05/26
Decisions to be communicated by: 29/05/2026
Event to take place: Between 16/09/2026 and 07/03/2027
