The deadline for the final round of applications for Monument Fellowships, the scheme run by the Museums Association (MA) that helps retired collections specialists to work with former colleagues, their successors and the wider museum community to share and develop collections knowledge, is 10 January 2011.
The fellowships, which are funded by the Monument Trust, are open to any UK accredited museum. Host museums have to show that the project proposed is closely linked to their core objectives, and is part of an organisation-wide commitment to developing and sharing collections knowledge.
Fellows will also be expected to spend time sharing their knowledge with the wider museum community.
Fellowships are initially for 50 days, typically spread over about six months. Fellows receive a daily fee of £100. Fellowships can be extended by up to 50 days if the museum can show it would lead to significant benefits.
The MA wants partnership funding contributions from the host museums of about 50%. Lucy Shaw, the MA’s Diversify coordinator, says the scheme is relatively inexpensive to run but offers great riches in terms of the knowledge it unlocks, as well as being a chance for staff to develop new skills.
Museums that have hosted Monument Fellowships include Fermanagh County Museum; Bowes Museum, Co Durham; Winchester Museums; Carmarthenshire County Museum; Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, Runcorn; and the Museum of English Rural Life, Reading.
Simon Stephens
Click here to apply for the Fellowships
