This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New initiatives for museums
22/08/2003
A number of initiatives to help support Scotland's museums sector were announced today.
Welcoming the publication of the Executive's response to the consultation exercise to develop an Action Plan for Scotland's museums and galleries, Culture Minister Frank McAveety said:
"The way in which our heritage is presented and celebrated has an abiding effect on how we see ourselves as citizens of Scotland and the world, and nowhere is this more important than for the next generation of Scotland's young people.
"The work of museums and galleries makes a vital contribution to education, scholarship, social inclusion, and tourism in Scotland, and we will continue to work alongside the museums and galleries sector to remove barriers to access.
"This announcement today will put in place some important stepping stones for the future care and conservation of important collections across Scotland, ensuring that inspiration, understanding and enjoyment of them will enrich people's lives".
Pending the wider review of the governance of the cultural sector, these initiatives represent significant progress in a number of key areas, which were identified during the consultation exercise.
After carefully considering the consultation responses and then working closely with the major players in the sector, a number of initiatives in key areas have been agreed:
- A regional development framework will be created to develop the capacity and sustainability of the cultural heritage sector through active partnerships;
- the National Museums of Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland will adopt a greater role in support of the non-national sector, providing advice, expertise and other assistance;
- the Executive will, with the help of key partners, identify existing and planned research and if necessary commission further research on the full economic and social impact of museums ;
- and the Executive will clarify the future funding of the three industrial museums currently funded directly from the Strategic Change Fund.
The initiative which will be funded through the refocusing of the Strategic Change Fund, was also welcomed by Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director of the National Museums of Scotland.
He said:
"The National Museums of Scotland welcomes the Scottish Executive's Action Framework for Scotland's museums and galleries. The framework is a positive step towards the enhancement of museum services across Scotland.
"It is important that the museum community now works together to demonstrate the benefits it can deliver for the people of Scotland and visitors to this country."
Sir Timothy Clifford, Director General of the National Galleries of Scotland added:
"The National Galleries of Scotland are delighted with the Minister's announcement for new initiatives for Scotland's museums and galleries.
"We are dedicated to the concept of partnership and are particularly keen to develop even closer relationships with regional museums and galleries in Scotland."
The Report of the National Audit of Museums and Galleries was published on Wednesday 10 July 2002. http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/audit/index.asp
The consultation exercise to assist in the development of an Action Plan for Scotland's museums and galleries ended on 6 December 2002. In total, 92 responses were received.
A Strategic Change Fund of £1.5m over 2 years from 2002-03 (£1m in 2003-04) has been provided to help stabilise museums sector in Scotland. The Scottish Museums Council was given the task of administering the fund. For further information contact Carl Watt, SMC Press Office, on 0131-476-8452.