Analysis
A positive year for museums could be lull before the storm
The MA’s first Museums in the UK report reveals a complex picture of a dynamic sector that is struggling with funding cuts
HLF urged to be more flexible and to take strategic approach
Government seeks evidence as to whether the HLF and National Heritage Memorial Fund are fit for purpose
Support for quality metrics
Cultural leaders deny that data about the perceived quality of an institution’s work might be open to manipulation
Regional bodies key to local museum provision in Wales
Sector wants forthcoming strategy to follow through on panel’s recommendations and pull together the various reviews of museum provision in Wales
Museums hope for change from Accreditation review
Many in the sector are supportive of Accreditation, but feel that the nationally agreed standard for UK museums could be improved, particularly for smaller organisations. Geraldine Kendall Adams reports on the issues that a review of the scheme should look at
NTS unveils conservation plan
The National Trust for Scotland is to undertake a £1.3m initiative to catalogue and photograph 100,000 objects. Rob Sharp reports
Hunt has hands full at V&A
The ex-MP becomes director as the museum develops new sites in east London, Scotland and China. Caroline Parry reports on the challenges Tristram Hunt is facing
Northern Ireland anxious that Brexit will hit peace-building
Loss of EU funding for peace-building initiatives at museums and arts venues could increase polarisation within society. By Rob Sharp
Regional institutions call for help securing private funding
Arts council survey finds London-based organisations attract 66% of total private investment in arts and culture sector. By Rob Sharp
Plans for Great Exhibition of the North taking shape
Newcastle-Gateshead initiative seeks creative producers and calls on museums and galleries to suggest content for the exhibition programme. Caroline Parry reports
Scotland welcomes budget
Government’s draft budget proposes 4.5% cut to spend on cultural collections, although funding for NMS and MGS will remain the same. Caroline Parry reports
Museums need to do more to welcome disabled visitors
The cultural sector has made progress recently, but with a quarter of museum websites providing no access information, there is room for improvement when it comes to making disabled visitors feel as welcome as non-disabled visitors. By Geraldine Kendall Adams