Sector Report - Challenges and Opportunities

Museums Galleries Scotland, April 2010, Scotland

A report published today by Museums Galleries Scotland reinforces the ongoing debate about how Scotland’s museums and galleries sector is supported and funded. The report suggests a rebalance of how existing funding for the sector is distributed allowing for investment across a greater proportion of Scotland’s museums and galleries.

Joanne Orr, Chief Executive of Museum Galleries Scotland said:
“Museums Galleries Scotland, representing over 350 museums and galleries in Scotland, is in the position to consult with and collect feedback from a wide and thorough representation of the Scotland wide sector.”

“The report highlights issues which have been evident and indeed growing for some time. However, in the current financial climate, competitive tourism environment and forecast of public sector cuts – some museums and galleries across the country will shortly reach breaking point.”

“This sector feedback underlines a strong message – that an adjustment to a balanced, cross Scotland view is needed. The Recognised Collections of National Significance – which can be found all over Scotland from Orkney to Dumfries – recently had the opportunity to apply for capital funding. The available fund was £750,000 – but we received over £3 million in notes of interest. All funding from the Scottish Government is gratefully received, but this recent experience demonstrates the thirst for increased support, closer partnership working and increased sharing of knowledge and expertise to really maximise funding available is essential for future sustainability and progress.”

The main points contained in this sector report are:
• The feedback from the sector noted that the Ministerial and Governmental lens for looking at museums and galleries sector requires refocus from a ‘National Collection’ view towards a more rounded Scotland wide perspective.
• The sector wants greater acknowledgement and appreciation of what museums and galleries do and deliver on a local and regional scale – across health, tourism, education and community regeneration. Museums Galleries Scotland recently published research findings that illustrate the sector’s cross-portfolio impact.
• The establishment of a sustainable solution to partnership working and knowledge sharing must be made a priority for the sector.

The consultation that created this report took place during February and March 2010 with Museums Galleries Scotland members.

Museums Galleries Scotland represent an industry that welcomes 25.3 million visitors per year, generating £800+ million to the economy.

Minister for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, has received a copy of the report as well as the Members of the Museums Think Tank.

The Museums Think Tank was established by Ministers in 2009, to make recommendations on the future direction of the museums sector. The 12 individuals on the group are tasked with considering the key challenges facing the sector.

Museums Galleries Scotland, representing the sector, is advising the Museums Think Tank.

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