Analysis

Museums set their sights on public sector commissions

Cultural institutions are starting to explore the opportunities afforded by local authorities moving away from the direct provision of statutory services. Geraldine Kendall reports

Could trustees be political pawns?

Government's removal of non-Tories from public bodies and increasing involvement in national museum boards could jeopardise arm's-length principle. Gareth Harris reports

Redressing funding skew will take time

What has changed since it was revealed that the capital dominates ACE funding? By Patrick Steel

Cuts lead to £4m less for museums

Art council says it will have to be "smarter and more flexible" as it holds off announcing budgets for 2016-18 until it receives its grant-in-aid settlement. Patrick Steel reports

Newcastle cultural funding struggling

Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund attracts one donation in four months. By Patrick Steel

Raising Designation’s profile is top priority

The Designation scheme is highly regarded, but a review has found that a few tweaks are needed before its relaunch. By Geraldine Kendall

Eyes on the Art Fund Prize

In the gloomy climate of funding cuts, the £100,000 Art Fund Prize is an attractive proposition for museums. Gareth Harris reports

Sustainability debate is reignited

Sector questions whether it could be more sustainable after arts council report reveals that museums use more energy than other cultural organisations. Gareth Harris reports

Will City of Culture title boost Hull?

Hull hopes to follow in the footsteps of Derry-Londonderry by reaping the economic and social benefits from being designated the UK City of Culture for 2017. By Sharon Heal

Threat to prison-led initiatives

Concern that restructure of prison service to focus on payment by results will affect sustainability of museum projects. By Gareth Harris

Disabled people are still museums’ missing audience

Despite initiatives, research and targeted projects, people with disabilities are not visiting museums and galleries as much as the rest of the population. Geraldine Kendall investigates why and asks what more can be done

Breaking bequests row rages on

Although legislation allows museums to overturn donors' wishes after a set period, some people believe that the terms of a gift should never be broken. Patrick Steel reports