Requirements
We have a process to becoming a member of Museums Galleries Scotland that ensures all our members meet the criteria. This ensures they have a solid base from which to work.
In order to become a member, you must first be a museum under the Museums Association definition, which is:
'Museums enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. They are institutions that collect, safeguard and make accessible artefacts and specimens, which they hold in trust for society.'
This definition includes art galleries with collections of works of art, as well as museums with historical collections of objects.
For more information on museums and their functions, have a look at our publication Big Questions, Big Answers, which also includes case studies.
Secondly, you must be a Scottish organisation and have charitable status. If you are not yet a registered charity, contact:
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator
This website is the official site of the charity regulator in Scotland. It will take you though the process of becoming a Scottish Charity. Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator website www.oscr.org.uk
In order to become a charity you will also need to prepare a constitution.
Your organisation must also either already hold a collection or have a collection planned. For advice on developing your collection, see Collections Development.