MGS AGM 2011: First details of new vision for Scotland’s museums unveiled

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Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop pledged support for Scotland’s museums and galleries in a Scottish Government announcement issued to press over the weekend.

The announcement also outlined preliminary details of the national strategy for Scotland’s museums and galleries – details which were presented to members who attended the Museums Galleries Scotland annual general meeting (AGM) held in Edinburgh on 18 March 2011.

Work to develop a national strategy for Scotland’s museums and galleries began following the Scottish Government response to the Museums Think Tank report was published last December.

The Scottish Government, Museums Galleries Scotland and strategic partners National Museums Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland and Glasgow Life have identified the overarching themes for developing a national strategy. These will focus on:

• how the sector can make the best use of available skills and resources
• how the sector can meet its long term ambitions
• the impact and role of museums in society

At the AGM Museums Galleries Scotland members agreed in principle that the organisation can start the work needed to become a new National Development Body for Scotland’s museums.

Fiona Ballantyne, Chair of Museums Galleries Scotland, said;
“This is a significant step forward for the Scottish museums and galleries sector. Museums Galleries Scotland is delighted to see the Scottish Government backing the sector in this way. This acknowledgment of the skills and expertise of Museums Galleries Scotland really allows us to build on our work to develop and support a sustainable museums and galleries sector in Scotland. We look forward to working with Scotland’s museums and galleries so that we can meet and overcome the challenges facing the sector together.”

In the Scottish Government announcement, Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop, said:

“Scotland’s museums and galleries welcome more than 25 million visitors each year, contributing more than £800 million to the Scottish economy. They play a vital role in promoting Scotland’s culture and heritage, attracting visitors to all parts of Scotland. We cannot underestimate the significance of this sector and that is why I am determined to put in place a framework which secures a sustainable future for Scotland’s museums and galleries.

“In our response to the Museums Think Tank report we made clear our commitment to work with the sector to develop and implement a national strategy for the sector. This work is progressing well. I am grateful to Museums Galleries Scotland and the strategic partners from the national collections and Glasgow for kicking off work on the strategy by identifying its overarching themes. Transitional arrangements are underway for a development body and I am pleased that the industrial museums are putting in place arrangements for the new Federation, as recommended in the Think Tank report. Consultation on the new strategy will now begin leading towards establishing the Museums Forum later this year
“The key themes of the strategy will bring greater cohesion and stronger partnerships across the sector, making best use of skill and resources, fostering innovation and enterprising activity. This will harness the potential of the sector, providing opportunities for museums and galleries the length and breadth of Scotland to realise their ambitions during these challenging economic times.

“Museums Galleries Scotland will move to become the National Development Body for the sector from April 2012, with transition arrangements now underway. Museums Galleries Scotland as the new body will play a vital role in working with the whole sector to further develop, implement and support the national strategy.”

“In the meantime, I am pleased to confirm funding for 2011-12 for the National Recognised Collections and for the National Fund for Acquisitions. Continuation of these funds, despite severe pressures on public finances imposed by the Westminster cuts, is a clear signal of this Government’s commitment to supporting the important work of museums and galleries across Scotland.

The next steps for Museums Galleries Scotland will be to consult with the sector on the national strategy and the National Development Body in summer 2011.

The Scottish Government also announced £870,000 capital and revenue support for Scotland’s Recognised Collections of National Significance from the 2011/12 budget.

ENDS

If you have any questions about the development of the national strategy you can email strategy@museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk.

Read the full “Scottish Government announcement”: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/03/21085336
Scottish Government response to the Museums Think Tank report
Museums Think Tank report

Published
21st Mar 2011

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