Renaissance in the Regions has not transformed regional museums in the way that was originally intended, according to the Museums Association (MA).
In a written response to the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) review of Renaissance, the MA criticises a lack of clarity about the role of hubs, lack of leadership and inconsistency across the regions.
While the response says that there is no doubt that Renaissance has been a success in terms of engaging new audiences and increasing capacity to serve the public, it questions how fit for purpose the hubs are in each region.
It suggests a more flexible and responsive system that would allow the hubs to look different across the regions.
Nikola Burdon, the MA's policy officer, said: "Now is the time for hubs to be given the support and opportunity to morph into regional leaders. For that to happen, each needs to be reformed according to regional needs and strengths, with a lead person or organisation acting as the driver. Each hub may look different, but all will have the capability to deliver and achieve."
The MA's response was drawn from discussions with its council and executive committee. The independent review of the Renaissance in the Regions programme was commissioned by the MLA and is expected to report by March 2009.
In a written response to the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) review of Renaissance, the MA criticises a lack of clarity about the role of hubs, lack of leadership and inconsistency across the regions.
While the response says that there is no doubt that Renaissance has been a success in terms of engaging new audiences and increasing capacity to serve the public, it questions how fit for purpose the hubs are in each region.
It suggests a more flexible and responsive system that would allow the hubs to look different across the regions.
Nikola Burdon, the MA's policy officer, said: "Now is the time for hubs to be given the support and opportunity to morph into regional leaders. For that to happen, each needs to be reformed according to regional needs and strengths, with a lead person or organisation acting as the driver. Each hub may look different, but all will have the capability to deliver and achieve."
The MA's response was drawn from discussions with its council and executive committee. The independent review of the Renaissance in the Regions programme was commissioned by the MLA and is expected to report by March 2009.
