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Forward Planning at Ullapool Museum
Why is this case study relevant?
Many independent museums face similar issues to those faced by Ullapool Museum. They are often located within small, rural communities, depend on volunteers and have to chase funding to survive. This project, to refous the work of Ullapool Museum and to plan actively for the future, shows a mature and effective response to meeting those pressures and demands.
What were the aims of the project?
To employ a Museum Development Officer for one year to assist the Board and Curator/Manager to establish the groundwork and test ideas for the next phase in the development of Ullapool Museum. Specifically the aim was to formulate strategy for sustainable development, prepare realistic business plans, prepare policy for access and learning, and strengthen links with the community.
What happened?
A Museum Development Officer was employed for one year. The post holder worked closely with trustees to examine the role of the museum and to redefine reasons for the museum’s existence. A series of monthly special Board meetings were used to introduce issues, ensuring dedicated time to review and revise items such as the museum mission statement, aims and strategic objectives. Research was also carried out into the current situation of the museum with respect to the local community and potential new audiences. Key to the process was consultation with users and non users, particularly from the local community.
Although discussions raised some difficult issues, working through them led to a strengthened sense of purpose between trustees and a clearer idea of how the museum could develop in the future. Discussions fed into the development of a new strategic plan which has mapped out the future of the museum and put the museum on a new and extended planning cycle. Research into potential areas of development has also resulted in further applications to Museums Galleries Scotland and other funding bodies for project funding to help achieve some of the new objectives.
What was learned?
The planning process helped identify key strengths and weakness, and associated areas for development. It highlighted the need to acknowledge and address key issues in order to achieve a more successful future for the organisation.
What is the wider relevance?
The experience of Ullapool Museum demonstrates how taking the time to plan can help refocus the activities of a museum and help address crucial issues such as role and profile within the community, declining visitor figures, the need to identify future sources of funding etc. This project shows how important forward planning can be, how it can add a new dynamism and sense of purpose to an organisation, and how it can help draw in new sources of funding to help achieve defined objectives.
How was this project promoted?
The project has been promoted to the membership of Museums Galleries Scotland via grants workshops.
Categories
Performance
Grants
Project Start
1st Nov 2006
Project End
1st Nov 2008
Published
14th Jan 2009
Who Led?
Ullapool Museum Trust
Who Paid?
Museums Galleries Scotland, AIM, The Robertson Trust, The Gannochy Fund
How Much?
£34,000