Audience agency axes fees
Audiences London has dropped its paid subscription membership model and is now open to all arts, cultural and heritage organisations in the capital, regardless of how they are funded. The agency offers a range of fixed-price service packages, such as visitor research and community engagement, as well as bespoke consultancy. It is also providing free resources and commentary online. The changes are in response to client feedback and the economic situation.
New NMW galleries
The National Museum Wales (NMW) in Cardiff has opened seven galleries dedicated to impressionist and modern art. Artists on show include Renoir, Monet and Magritte. The £90,000 project is the latest stage in creating a National Museum of Art for Wales, scheduled to open in July, to which the Welsh Assembly Government has contributed more than £3m.
Remains returned
National Museums Liverpool (NML) has returned the remains of a mummified baby to delegates from tribes in the Torres Strait region, located between Australia and New Guinea. NML acquired the Omasker remains, which were removed by English explorers in 1849, from Norwich Castle Museum in 1956.
Stoke to raise ticket prices
Stoke-on-Trent City Council plans to increase admission charges at three attractions. It proposes to increase the price of adult tickets for Gladstone Pottery Museum by £1 to £6.95, and for the Etruria Industrial and Ford Green Hall museums by 50p to £3. According to the council, it is the first price rise since 2005.
