Analysis

Does levying an entrance fee always pay off for museums?

A number of regional museums and galleries have recently introduced admission charges, often as a response to cuts in their public funding. But what are the downsides to abandoning the principle of free entry? Geraldine Kendall Adams investigates

Rebranded NLHF ushers in a new era for heritage sector

Organisation’s five-year strategy features a simplified funding portfolio and plans to devolve decision-making. By Rob Sharp

Community group support programme hailed a success

Lancashire County Council’s Waving Not Drowning initiative has helped to secure the future of two of the three museums it was funded to support. By Caroline Parry

Sector embraces wellbeing

Report finds that since the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act was passed in 2015, museums in Wales have become more innovative and collaborative. By Caroline Parry 

Museums and galleries focusing more on research

The British Museum has opened a Latin America research centre, while collaborations with universities are rising. By Rob Sharp 

Restitution back in spotlight

Recent developments suggest a growing willingness among museums in the west to discuss the return of objects taken during the colonial period. Caroline Parry reports

Arts can play a major role in tackling social isolation

The government’s new strategy for addressing loneliness highlights that engagement with creative practice can help people become more connected. Caroline Parry reports

Sector must play its part in tackling climate breakdown

As governments drag their heels, museums are well placed to educate audiences in how averting a global crisis will benefit their everyday lives. But it will require stronger leadership, a coordinated approach and dedicated funding. By Geraldine Kendall Adams

Political stalemate in Northern Ireland stalls museum projects

Projects such as Derry-Londonderry’s maritime museum are in limbo because government cannot release funding. By Rob Sharp

V&A hopes Here East will be the watershed for museum storage

Facility will transform how the collection is experienced, reflecting improvements to storage facilities across the sector. By Rob Sharp

World war one commemorations result in new ways of working

The thousands of initiatives marking the centenary of the war have showcased new ways of working in partnership and engaging museum audiences. By Caroline Parry

So much for end of austerity

The era of austerity may have been declared over, but the sector doubts the benefits will be felt for years, and still fears for the future of some museums. By Caroline Parry