What should ACE’s goals for museums be?
Patrick Steel, 14.07.2011
MA launches survey as arts council publishes strategic framework review
Arts Council England today published an independent review, written by former arts minister Estelle Morris, looking at how its strategic framework for the arts could be revised to become a strategic framework for arts, libraries and museums.
The Museums Association is asking its members in England to read the review and respond to a short survey which the MA will use in its discussions with ACE as the arts council looks to shape its new remit for museums.
Morris told the MA: “We need to emphasise the importance of the sector to civil society, and these goals give us the opportunity to all gather together under one umbrella. I am heartened that the museum sector wanted this conversation and that ACE wanted this conversation too.
“I believe in outcomes, but this document emphasises the connection between collections and audiences. Unless the collection is interacting with people then it is not doing its proper job. I believe that if you can measure it then measure it, but if you can’t then don’t knock the value of it."
Maurice Davies, the MA’s head of policy and communications, said: “The MA has argued for many months that ACE’s existing goals for the arts see audiences as rather passive receivers, whereas museums are increasingly wishing to engage them as participants and serve communities rather than just individuals.
“We have warned the arts council about the risk of seeing excellence as residing in collections and scholarship rather than in audience engagement. To a great extent, Estelle Morris recognises these issues, but in parts of the arts council there are some who still need further persuasion.
“We really want to hear our members’ thoughts about the importance of working closely with communities, so we would urge you to please complete the survey.”
To read the Estelle Morris review, click here (pdf)
To see ACE’s existing goals for the arts, click here (pdf)
Update
01.08.2011
The survey is now closed.
The Museums Association is asking its members in England to read the review and respond to a short survey which the MA will use in its discussions with ACE as the arts council looks to shape its new remit for museums.
Morris told the MA: “We need to emphasise the importance of the sector to civil society, and these goals give us the opportunity to all gather together under one umbrella. I am heartened that the museum sector wanted this conversation and that ACE wanted this conversation too.
“I believe in outcomes, but this document emphasises the connection between collections and audiences. Unless the collection is interacting with people then it is not doing its proper job. I believe that if you can measure it then measure it, but if you can’t then don’t knock the value of it."
Maurice Davies, the MA’s head of policy and communications, said: “The MA has argued for many months that ACE’s existing goals for the arts see audiences as rather passive receivers, whereas museums are increasingly wishing to engage them as participants and serve communities rather than just individuals.
“We have warned the arts council about the risk of seeing excellence as residing in collections and scholarship rather than in audience engagement. To a great extent, Estelle Morris recognises these issues, but in parts of the arts council there are some who still need further persuasion.
“We really want to hear our members’ thoughts about the importance of working closely with communities, so we would urge you to please complete the survey.”
To read the Estelle Morris review, click here (pdf)
To see ACE’s existing goals for the arts, click here (pdf)
Update
01.08.2011
The survey is now closed.
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