Taylor urges Hubs to make the case for Renaissance
Geraldine Kendall, 09.07.2010
Call to action to protect flagship programme from cuts
MA director Mark Taylor has called on the nine Hubs and their museum partners to start campaigning at grassroots level against Renaissance in the Regions funding cuts.
In a letter sent out this week, Taylor said: “Renaissance has brought fantastic benefits for audiences and we all know how important it is that these achievements are not squandered.”
Renaissance’s current programme of funding is due for renewal in March 2011, by which time it will have invested nearly £300 million in regional development.
Taylor has asked hub museums to use all resources at their disposal, including local MPs, the press and governing bodies, to drive home the message about ensuring the continued success of the programme.
He said: “The most successful advocacy is carried out directly by museums themselves, based on their specific circumstances and priorities locally and regionally.”
Speaking today, Taylor also cautioned that, despite effective campaigning during the last renewal of the programme, some regions might have to work harder to reengage with MPs because of the recent change in government. He warned: “All the good work they did last time could be undone.”
Taylor’s call to action comes just before ministers begin making their initial recommendations for spending cuts. The government slashed the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) budget by 3% in May this year.
Taylor said the MA would “make the case strongly” at national level. He has requested meetings at DCMS with culture minister Ed Vaizey and other senior advisers.
The MA also plans to conduct a survey investigating what impact Renaissance cuts would have on regional museums. The results will be published in the September issue of Museums Journal.
Taylor said: “Over the summer the MA will be taking the message out – how important Renaissance has been and how badly a major reduction would be felt.”
“We want to make sure in the very short time that we have, that we get everyone on side to support Hubs and Renaissance funding.”
For more information on advocacy, please click here
Correction
12.07.2010
Department of Culture, Media and Sport has been changed to Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
In a letter sent out this week, Taylor said: “Renaissance has brought fantastic benefits for audiences and we all know how important it is that these achievements are not squandered.”
Renaissance’s current programme of funding is due for renewal in March 2011, by which time it will have invested nearly £300 million in regional development.
Taylor has asked hub museums to use all resources at their disposal, including local MPs, the press and governing bodies, to drive home the message about ensuring the continued success of the programme.
He said: “The most successful advocacy is carried out directly by museums themselves, based on their specific circumstances and priorities locally and regionally.”
Speaking today, Taylor also cautioned that, despite effective campaigning during the last renewal of the programme, some regions might have to work harder to reengage with MPs because of the recent change in government. He warned: “All the good work they did last time could be undone.”
Taylor’s call to action comes just before ministers begin making their initial recommendations for spending cuts. The government slashed the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) budget by 3% in May this year.
Taylor said the MA would “make the case strongly” at national level. He has requested meetings at DCMS with culture minister Ed Vaizey and other senior advisers.
The MA also plans to conduct a survey investigating what impact Renaissance cuts would have on regional museums. The results will be published in the September issue of Museums Journal.
Taylor said: “Over the summer the MA will be taking the message out – how important Renaissance has been and how badly a major reduction would be felt.”
“We want to make sure in the very short time that we have, that we get everyone on side to support Hubs and Renaissance funding.”
For more information on advocacy, please click here
Correction
12.07.2010
Department of Culture, Media and Sport has been changed to Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
