Some projects run by the Strategic Commissioning Programme may be given a reprieve by the Department for Education (DfE).
The Strategic Commissioning Programme, which supports education activities in museum, was jointly supported by the DfE and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The scheme was to be axed at the end of March, after the DCMS cut its share of funding.
But according to a source, last month the Department for Education set aside £1.5m in 2011-12 for a new initiative that will continue some of the programme’s existing schemes.
It will be administered by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) in 2011-12, before transferring to the Arts Council England for at least three years. A new set of schemes will be established at ACE.
An MLA spokesman said the Strategic Commissioning Programme had come to an end, but he added that he was “optimistic” that the DfE would find resources to continue some museum-related projects.
“Nothing is confirmed yet, but we are still in talks with the DfE with a wish to find funding for museum-related schools activities,” he said.
Iain Watson, director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, welcomed the possibility that the DfE may sponsor a project supporting museum work with schools and young people.
“[The Strategic Commissioning Programme] has provided a significant development for learning staff in museums across the country and has led to some groundbreaking projects with real benefits for learners,” he said.
It is not yet clear which projects may get a reprieve, as the MLA was consulting with existing schemes as Museums Journal went to press.
The Strategic Commissioning Programme, which supports education activities in museum, was jointly supported by the DfE and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The scheme was to be axed at the end of March, after the DCMS cut its share of funding.
But according to a source, last month the Department for Education set aside £1.5m in 2011-12 for a new initiative that will continue some of the programme’s existing schemes.
It will be administered by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) in 2011-12, before transferring to the Arts Council England for at least three years. A new set of schemes will be established at ACE.
An MLA spokesman said the Strategic Commissioning Programme had come to an end, but he added that he was “optimistic” that the DfE would find resources to continue some museum-related projects.
“Nothing is confirmed yet, but we are still in talks with the DfE with a wish to find funding for museum-related schools activities,” he said.
Iain Watson, director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, welcomed the possibility that the DfE may sponsor a project supporting museum work with schools and young people.
“[The Strategic Commissioning Programme] has provided a significant development for learning staff in museums across the country and has led to some groundbreaking projects with real benefits for learners,” he said.
It is not yet clear which projects may get a reprieve, as the MLA was consulting with existing schemes as Museums Journal went to press.
