Funding for museums and galleries
Paqui Garcia
Mercè Girbau
20/01/2010
Funding of £750,000 of capital investment is being made to support the Scottish museums and galleries which house nationally and internationally significant collections.
Across Scotland, 36 collections – held in museums and galleries run by local authorities, universities and independent trusts – are eligible to apply for the funding.
The Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop has made the additional funding available for the Scottish Government’s Recognition Scheme, which is managed by Museums Galleries Scotland.
Fiona Hyslop said:
“From the Highlands to the Borders, museums and galleries play a tremendously important role in supporting tourism and the country’s economy. They are of educational and social value to local people and to all the people of Scotland.
“The Recognition Scheme ensures there are additional resources available for some of the most important collections held in Scotland. This additional capital funding will contribute to improving visitors’ experience and developing excellence in these internationally important collections.
“The Museums Think Tank, established by Michael Russell, is seeking solutions to the challenges facing the sector. I chaired the third meeting of the Think Tank yesterday and am absolutely committed to helping it find ways to address the issues it is considering.”
Joanne Orr, Chief Executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said:
“This funding presents a massive boost for our Recognised Collections of National Significance. These collections are geographically diverse – creating positive impact among communities right across Scotland. This also supports Scotland’s international profile of significant collections.
“Major milestones from Scotland’s history are celebrated through the Recognised Collections. This funding will improve the visitor experience at these museums and galleries today and will also preserve our most important collections for the future people of Scotland.”
The Recognised Collections contain items and objects which have influenced Scotland as a nation or show how Scotland and its people have influenced the rest of the world. Across topics including natural history, fashion, maritime, engineering, literature, fine and contemporary art, they demonstrate the richness of Scotland’s culture.
Across the Recognised Collections, there are familiar names of world famous artists to smaller pieces, which may have been crafted by a mysterious individual 5,000 years ago; fine art by Monet and Toulouse-Lautrec to contemporary pieces by Damien Hirst; and impressive Roman hoards to grave pieces from a Viking boat burial.
The Collections also contain examples of exquisite crafting in silverware and clothing. Children may be fascinated by toys and games that their counterparts would have played with hundreds of years ago. Personal possessions of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns and editions of his works are also a feature.
Museums Galleries Scotland estimates that Scotland’s museums and galleries welcome an estimated 25.3 million visitors per year, generating #800 million for the economy.
Eligible organisations will be making their applications for funding to Museums Galleries Scotland over the coming weeks, with announcements on awards in Spring 2010.
Museums Galleries Scotland is the membership organisation of Scotland’s museums and galleries.
The Scottish Government’s Recognition Scheme aims to celebrate, promote and invest in these internationally significant collections, which are a key driver in the tourism economy in Scotland. The Scheme is managed by Museums Galleries Scotland.
Total capital funding through the Recognition Scheme in 2009/2010 now totals £2.32 million.
Link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/01/20092928
Questions:
1) What do you think about the capital that the Government has invested in these museums?
2) Do you think an investment by the museums and Galleries it’s important to promote the tourism?
3) Do you think that an investment would be good for the economy?
4) It’s important promote our culture by the Museums and Galleries?
5) Which others key drivers would be useful to promote the tourism?
6) Do you think that the Scottish Economy is increasing thanks this initiative?
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