[ EmmS logo ] [ Bar ]
[ East Midlands Museums Service ]
[ Bar ]
[ EmmS Address ]
  [ Home ][ Look at That ][ About Us ][ Hot News ][ Publications ][ Contact ][ Link ]

 

 

 

[ Hot News ]

 

 

[ Investors in People logo ]

[ Hot News Header ]

No 133                                                                         October 2000
  1. Audit Commission Performance Indicators for 2001/2002

The Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has issued a consultation paper on the performance indicators that local authorities will be required to publish for the next financial year. The aim has been to reduce the number of indicators, and it is proposed that the number of museum-specific indicators will be reduced to four:

  • number of museums supported
  • number of those museums that have Full Registration
  • number of visits/usages per 1,000 population, and the number in person
  • number of pupils visiting in organised school groups.

Some of the definitions used to define these indicators have also been restricted on previous years; this is of especial concern to those museums that have an emphasis on outreach activities. EmmS will be responding to the consultation to express those concerns.

TOP

1819.  Review of the Purchase Grant Funds

Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives & Libraries has appointed Michael Diamond to examine the role of both the purchase funds operated by the Victoria & Albert Museum (for works of art, antiquities, books and archives) and the Science Museum (the PRISM Fund for the purchase and restoration of industrial and scientific material). Comments are invited around the following questions:

  • Are you a user of the purchase grant funds? If so, how effectively do you think they are administered? How do they compare in this respect to the other main funding agencies (eg HLF, NHMF, NACF etc)?
  • If you are eligible for funding but do not use the purchase grant funds, why not?
  • In your view is there a continuing need for these funds? How important is collecting and acquisition compared to other activities carried out by museums, archives and library special collections?
  • Could acquisition programmes contribute more to social objectives such as education, social inclusion, cultural diversity and economic regeneration? If so, how? If not, why not?
  • Can acquisition programmes compensate for difference in the geographical spread of collections? If so, how? If not, why not?
  • Is the funding environment for acquisitions too complex, or does the current arrangement create opportunities that might not be there in a simpler structure? If rationalisation would be helpful, how could it be achieved?
  • The Funds have slightly different objectives from the other main funding bodies (eg Heritage Lottery Fund, National Heritage Memorial Fund, National Art Collections Fund etc). Does this matter?
  • Are there gaps in the funding structure which inhibit acquisition? How might such gaps be filled?

Responses are invited by Friday 3 November 2000 to Laura Drysdale, Director of Sector and Professional Services at Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives & Libraries at 16 Queen Anne's Gate, London, SW1H 9AA or e-mail Laura.Drysdale@resource.gov.uk

TOP

1820.  Culture On-Line

    Culture Secretary Chris Smith has announced a new, interactive future for culture and the arts in the UK. Children in schools and people at home will be able to explore and interact with the UK's national museum and gallery collections, films, music and stage performances. The project is currently in its development stage. For more information contact DCMS, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London, SW1Y 5DH. Web Site: www.culture.gov.uk

    TOP

1821.  The People's Panel

The People's Panel is a reference group established by the Cabinet Office to measure consumer satisfaction with, and expectations of, key public services. One of the aims of the research is to establish national benchmarks against which service providers can test their local performance. For the first time, the 2000 survey, conducted by MORI, includes museums and art galleries. Key results are

  • 41% of respondents say that they, or a household member, visited a museum or art gallery during the past year. Over half of those in social classes D/E say they have never visited a museum or art gallery, compared with 14% of ABs.
  • 3% of respondents rated museums and galleries as the most important leisure service; libraries were the most important with 17%.
  • Although 73% of respondents were satisfied with the quality of museums and art galleries, the level of satisfaction differs considerably between different groups of the population. Female visitors are significantly more positive than male (84% v 64%), and satisfaction is far higher among those aged 35+. Younger age groups are more likely not to express an opinion.
  • Visitors say provision of interesting exhibitions (56%) and presenting the history and skills of the local community (50%) are most important. Two in five say that museums should be educational, and that galleries should provide free entry for all. Free entry is more likely to be mentioned by older respondents, and those from ethnic minorities.
  • Visitors rate information provision about the services museums provide below average. 44% rate themselves well-informed - the same as those who do not. Older users are more likely to consider themselves well-informed than younger people.
  • Information received by those visiting museums is thought accurate and clear, but a significant minority (16%) question the usefulness of that information.

Details of the survey are available on: www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/servicefirst/2000/panel/wave5/index.htm

TOP

1822.  Attitudes Towards the Heritage

Another MORI poll, commissioned by English Heritage, has looked at public perceptions/attitudes towards the heritage, their participation, and attitudes towards heritage by people of ethnic minority background. Key findings include

  • 98% think the heritage is important to teach us about our past
  • 95% think heritage is important for giving us places, things to see and do, for encouraging tourists to visit, and creating jobs and boosting the economy
  • 77% disagree that we already preserve too much of the country's heritage
  • 58% of the population made special trips to historic sites and museums last year, compared with 50% visiting the cinema and 17% attending a football match.
  • 9% think of the heritage as referring to museums and galleries unprompted (50% when prompted) as opposed to 45% (74%) for historic buildings and places
  • There has been a 3% drop in people visiting a museum during the past twelve months (32% to 29%), compared to a 7% drop for libraries (52% to 45%), and 9% for historic buildings (40% to 31%).
  • 46% think that Black and 45% think that Asian heritage is not adequately represented.
  • 73% of Black people and 79% of Asian people agree they are as interested in learning about the heritage of other cultures, much higher than the 57% of white people who agree with this statement.

Copies of the survey are available on www.englishheritage.org.uk

TOP

1823.  News from Resource

    Resource: the Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries has created a new e-mail list, Resourcenews, to enable you to receive regular news, press releases and updates on current Resource initiatives. To join the list, visit www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/resourcenews and follow the 'Join' link.

    Resource has appointed Andrea Cordani as Website Manager, to be responsible for developing and maintaining the website

    TOP

1824.  New Museums Jobs Website

    This new website is designed to advertise museum positions around the world. The website is a good opportunity for museums looking for new ways to supplement normal advertising procedures. The website can be found at www.museumjobs.com

    TOP

1825.  Carnegie Grants For IT

    The final closing date for the Carnegie Grants for IT is 30 December 2000. The grants are intended to encourage the innovation and creative use of IT in independent museums. Museums must be members of the Association of Independent Museums (AIM), be fully or provisionally registered and have charitable status. Applications should be made in writing only to: The Carnegie UK Trust, Comely Park, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, KY12 7EJ.

    TOP

1826.  Sure Start

    Sure Start is a government programme, with a three-year budget of £452 million, to improve the health and well-being of young children and families. Museums and galleries are encouraged to contact their local Sure Start partnership to find out how to get involved. For more information, contact the Sure Start unit in London (020) 7273 4830, e-mail: sure.start@dfee.gov.uk

    TOP

1827.  Local Heritage Initiative

    The Local Heritage Initiative (LHI), devised by the Countryside Agency, is a national grant scheme to help local groups investigate, explain and care for their local landscape, landmarks, traditions and culture. LHI can fund a range of heritage projects carried out by local people, for example a museums friends group. Projects in operation in our region are school clubs in Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire who are working with their communities to learn about and record their history, customs and traditions. Further information is available at www.lhi.org.uk or from LHI Information, The Acorn Centre, 51 High Street, Grimethorpe, Barnsley, S72 7BB or by telephone at (01226) 719 019.

    TOP

1828.  East Midlands Observatory

    This is a group of public, private and voluntary sector organisations who want to improve the way we commission, share and use research and information. Their website holds a series of reports and papers as well as project information on economic indicators, business surveys, education, skills and training, demographic information and social issues and public health. The group can also be contacted at the East Midlands Observatory, Apex Court, City Link Nottingham, East Midlands, NG2 4LA or on (0115) 988 8365 or on fax (0115) 853 3666. Web site: www.eastmidlandsobservatory.org.uk

    TOP

1829.  Museums, Keyworkers and Lifelong Learning

    The results of a survey conducted by the Victoria and Albert Museum, supported by the European Commission's SOCRATES programme, which aimed to identify and disseminate good practice in provision for adult learning through museums, are now available at www.surrey.ac.uk/Education/MKLL/

    TOP

1830.  Number Day 5 December - Maths Year 2000

    Maths Year 2000 is working in partnership with the NSPCC to bring you this celebration of mathematics for all. Maths Year 2000 aims to promote maths skills in children and adults. For advance information log onto www.mathsyear2000.org or if you want to join in with Number Day ring Learndirect on 0800 100 900

    TOP

1831.  Museum In The Classroom Project

    Schools across the UK are being invited to create their own museum during the autumn/spring term 2000/2001. The project aims to give children an understanding of how museums are organised by encouraging them to bring objects into the classroom. Entries will be judged and awards will be presented in May 2001. For a free pack send a large SAE with stamps to the value of 66p to Campaign for Museums, First Class Mailing Services, Unit 7, Britannia Trading Estate, Colnebrook, Slough, SL3 0BH. Closing date for entries is 16 March 2001.

    TOP

1832.  The Cultural Heritage National Training Organisation (CHNTO) News

    CHNTO has announced the launch of its new Skills Foresight Employer Toolkit in CD ROM format. The Toolkit provides cultural heritage organisations with the opportunity to conduct an in-house skills foresight exercise and to compare their results with the findings of the UK-wide project. For further information on the Toolkit or Skills Foresight report, available at a special price of £12, contact Amanda Szeekely on (01247) 391 087.

    CHNTO has launched a Management Development Information Exchange. This interactive section of the CHNTO website is designed to be used by individuals and organisations who wish to improve the way they manage. The website can be found at www.chnto.co.uk/management

    TOP

1833.  Special Initiatives Fund 3rd Round

    Applications are invited for the third round of the EmmS Special Initiatives Fund. The fund especially welcomes applications for projects based on the recommendations made by Gill Tanner, EmmS Education Adviser. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 31st December 2000. Decisions will be announced by 31 January 2001 and the money will be available to spend from when the decisions have been announced.

    If you would like to make an application please telephone Claire Browne on (0115) 985 4534, Monday-Wednesday until the end of November.

    TOP

1834.  Heritage Lottery Fund Surgeries

    The next surgeries will be held on 27 November at our offices by senior staff from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). If you are developing a project and need some advice with the preparation of a lottery application, you should book a 45-minute session on 27 November. Bookings should be made with Lesley Colsell on (0115) 985 4534.

    TOP

1835.  Forthcoming EmmS Events

    The next meeting of the PROFESSIONAL PANEL will take place on the morning of Friday 8 December, at Snibston Discovery Park, Coalville. One person from each Registered museum is invited to attend, as well as from each county forum where they exist. Letters of invitation will be sent out with the November issue of HOT NEWS.

    DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO LIFE-LONG LEARNING - 16 NOVEMBER. At this seminar, we will discuss the current concepts of Life-long Learning and The Learning Society. A booking form for this event was included with the September mailing.

    LEARNING FROM OBJECTS - 7 DECEMBER. This will be a practical workshop to show how school groups can make the best use of the museum's handling collection and displays. A booking form is enclosed with this mailing.

    TOP

1836.  Forthcoming Events & Seminars

    Closing date 3 November - MUSEUM LEARNING - University of London. This course which will run over six Thursdays starting on 1 February 2001, has been designed in partnership with GEM, Resource and the Institute of Education, University of London. The course will develop or update education skills and experience, particularly looking at understanding audiences, learning theory in museum contexts, education programme and services and designing projects. Venue: London. Cost: £450 (financial assistance may be available, subject to participation in an evaluation project). For details contact The Registry, Institute of Education, University of London, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL. Tel: (020) 7612 6192. E-mail: ArtDesign@ioe.ac.uk

    2 –3 November CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS – engage The National Campaign For Gallery Education. The engage annual conference will explore the partnerships between galleries and their communities, between artists and educators. Venue: Cardiff. Cost: £115 full rate, £95 per organisation member, £79.50 engage institutional member, £59.50 personal member, £35 bursary place. For details contact: engage, 1 Herbal Hill, London, EC1R 5EF Tel: (020) 7278 8382 Fax: (020) 7278 7092.

    9 – 10 November EFFECTIVE FUNDRAISING 1 – The Directory For Social Change. This course outlines basic fundraising techniques and strategies. It is suitable for those new to fundraising or as a refresher course. Venue: London. Cost: £135 - £210. For details contact: The Directory of Social Change, The Charity Centre, 24 Stephenson Way, London, NW1 2DP, (020) 7209 4949.

    13 November MARKETING FOR THE SMALL ORGANISATION - Directory of Social Change. This seminar will demonstrate why marketing is essential for voluntary organisations. Venue: Leeds. Cost: £120. For details contact: Directory of Social Change, Federation House, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BW. Tel: (0151) 708 0117. Fax: (0151) 708 0139. Internet: www.dsc.org.uk

    14 November/28 November  Open Sesame - The Magic Of Access.  The ADAPT Trust are running a series of roadshows, which offer an opportunity to discuss, examine and learn about inclusive design. The DDA (Disability Discrimination Act 1995) means that building designs must work for everyone. Venue: Dundee 14 November and Gateshead 28 November. Cost: £20. For details contact: The ADAPT Trust, 8 Hampton Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 5JD. Tel: (0131) 346 1999. Fax: (0131) 346 1991. E-mail: adapt.trust@virgin.net. Web site: www.adapttrust.co.uk

    17 November CARING FOR YOUR HISTORIC FARM VEHICLES - Weald & Downland Open Air Museum. This seminar, organised in partnership with South East Museums, is for those concerned with the restoration of wagons and their conservation in museums. Cost: £50. For details contact: Weald & Downlands Open Air Museum, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EU. Tel: (01243) 811464. Fax: (01243) 811475. E-mail: wealddown@mistral.co.uk

    27 November DESIGNING QUESTIONNAIRES – The Chartered Institute of Marketing. This course looks at the key role of the research brief and reviews qualitative and quantitative techniques and how to produce your own questionnaire. Venue: London Cost: £345 For details contact: Client Services Office, The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Moor Hall, Cookham, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 9QH. Tel: (01628) 427200).

    30 November MAKING THE ARGUMENTS FOR A NEW GALLERY - Midlands Federation of Museums and Art Galleries. This meeting will provide an opportunity to see the new gallery and find out from the staff how the gallery was developed. Venue: Walsall Art Gallery Cost: £10 members and £15 non-members. For details contact: Philippa Tinsley, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton,WV1 1DU. Tel: (01902) 552 046 Fax: (01902) 552 053 E-mail: registra.wag@dial.pipex.com

    8 December THE BEST INTRODUCTION OF THE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE MODEL – The British Quality Foundation. This one-day course will enable you to learn about he development of the Model and work on a self-assessment exercise, using a real case study. Venue: Nottingham. Cost: £170.38 for British Quality Foundation members and £199.75 for non-members. For details contact: The British Quality Foundation, 32-34 Great Peter Street, London, SW1P 2QX, (020) 7654 5000.

    TOP

1837.  Congratulations to…

… the ‘Fab 4’, Erewash Museum, Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery, Mansfield Museum and Art Gallery and Newark Museum, who have won a MGM2000/Tickets.com award which recognises good audience development and innovative marketing. The ‘Fab 4’ took part in joint marketing for Museums and Galleries Month.

...Mansfield Museum and Art Gallery who have been awarded a Children’s Consultancy by Playtrain. Playtrain aims to assist museums to design and set up ongoing programmes for children’s participation in the running and development of museums.

...Debbie Richards, Locum Head of Member Services at EmmS and Registrar at Leicestershire Museums, Arts and Records Service for successfully obtaining her Museum Studies Masters degree.

TOP

CUMULATIVE INDEX No 1 (January 1990) - No 132 (September 2000)

ARCHIVE

TOP
 


[Back] [Home] [Look at That] [About Us] [Hot News] [Publications] [Contact] [Links] [Next]
The East Midlands Museums Service is a company registered in England and Wales with liability limited by guarantee (No 2692432) and as a charity (No 1009683)