Museums at Night thrives
Two hundred museums are expected to take part in this year’s Museums at Night weekend, which runs from 14-16 May. One-hundred-and-sixty-five events had been confirmed by mid-February – 10 more than the total for last year. Tate Modern celebrates its 10th anniversary on the same weekend and will programme night events to coincide with the initiative.
Libraries to be scrapped?
A 50-year-old law that compels local authorities to provide library services could be scrapped. The government is re-examining the obligation it places on local councils in the light of spending cuts and the spread of the internet, with a decision likely before May’s local elections. Libraries are top of local councils’ cultural expenditure, collectively costing £1bn a year.
Unesco submissions
The government will put forward “fewer and fitter” applications for Unesco World Heritage status, culture secretary Margaret Hodge (pictured above) has pledged. An independent panel will assess each application before submission to ensure a greater chance of success. Hodge said she wanted a process that ensured “only sure-fire winners”. The change of policy follows a review in 2008.
Edinburgh rejects gallery
Edinburgh City Council has rejected calls for a new gallery and museum in the former Royal High School building, which will instead reopen as a boutique “arts hotel” after more than 40 years of disuse. The 1829 Grade A-listed building on Calton Hill, which will cost £35m to convert, will include gallery space for exhibitions.
