The recession boosted museum and gallery visitor numbers this summer, but continues to take its toll on the sector, part two of an Art Fund survey into the impact of the recession has confirmed.
The poll found that half of the 225 UK museums surveyed recorded a year-on-year increase in visitor numbers between March and September, compared with 35 per cent in the preceding six-month period.
The rise was fuelled by the trend towards holidaying at home and the weak pound attracting more overseas visitors to the UK. There was a corresponding increase in spend, with 45 per cent of museums reporting higher income in cafes and shops. But 30 per cent of the museums were having difficulties with running costs, and 26 per cent were struggling with funding cuts.
An Art Fund spokeswoman said the overall picture was gloomy. "People seem to be more worried about funding this time around," she said. "Museums have been pleased with attendances over the summer, but there are likely to be more recruitment freezes and budget cuts. It all seems a bit darker than the previous survey."
More than a fifth (22 per cent) of the museums surveyed said they had suffered a fall in the number of paid staff, with a quarter saying they relied more on volunteers. Bigger utilities bills were another worry, with 30 per cent of museums reporting spending more.
As a result of the recession, 67 per cent of national museums reported a drop in investment income, compared with 41 per cent overall. The Imperial War Museum estimated earnings from its portfolio had dropped by 60 per cent on the previous year.
The Art Fund also found that bigger overheads and budget constraints were having a knock-on effect on museums' ability to add to collections. Fewer than half attempted to acquire anything during the survey period, compared with 60 per cent between September 2008 and March 2009. But those that have been acquiring are securing healthy discounts, often of at least 30 per cent.
The poll found that half of the 225 UK museums surveyed recorded a year-on-year increase in visitor numbers between March and September, compared with 35 per cent in the preceding six-month period.
The rise was fuelled by the trend towards holidaying at home and the weak pound attracting more overseas visitors to the UK. There was a corresponding increase in spend, with 45 per cent of museums reporting higher income in cafes and shops. But 30 per cent of the museums were having difficulties with running costs, and 26 per cent were struggling with funding cuts.
An Art Fund spokeswoman said the overall picture was gloomy. "People seem to be more worried about funding this time around," she said. "Museums have been pleased with attendances over the summer, but there are likely to be more recruitment freezes and budget cuts. It all seems a bit darker than the previous survey."
More than a fifth (22 per cent) of the museums surveyed said they had suffered a fall in the number of paid staff, with a quarter saying they relied more on volunteers. Bigger utilities bills were another worry, with 30 per cent of museums reporting spending more.
As a result of the recession, 67 per cent of national museums reported a drop in investment income, compared with 41 per cent overall. The Imperial War Museum estimated earnings from its portfolio had dropped by 60 per cent on the previous year.
The Art Fund also found that bigger overheads and budget constraints were having a knock-on effect on museums' ability to add to collections. Fewer than half attempted to acquire anything during the survey period, compared with 60 per cent between September 2008 and March 2009. But those that have been acquiring are securing healthy discounts, often of at least 30 per cent.
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www.artfund.org
