Museums in Wales and Northern Ireland are waiting to hear how their respective cultural policies might change following last month’s elections.
After winning half the seats in the Welsh government, Labour’s Carwyn Jones was appointed first minister.
He announced his intention to form a Labour-only administration, rather than a coalition with Plaid Cymru or the Liberal Democrats.
Wales has previously had a minister with sole responsibility for heritage, but Huw Lewis has been appointed minister for housing, regeneration and heritage.
David Anderson, director general of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, said there were opportunities for museums in Wales to work across the wider ministerial portfolio, especially around regeneration, and to demonstrate the relevance of culture and heritage.
As part of Northern Ireland’s new coalition government, Sinn Féin has taken over the culture, arts and leisure brief for the first time.
Carál Ní Chuilín takes over as culture minister from Democratic Unionist Nelson McCausland, who caused controversy last year after he urged the Ulster Museum to reflect creationism in displays.
One of Ní Chuilín’s first public duties was to unveil the refurbished Cultra Manor at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.
“The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is responsible for a diverse portfolio that impacts on each and every one of us on some level,” she said.
“I am looking forward to meeting arms-length bodies and leading the department through the challenges ahead.”
After winning half the seats in the Welsh government, Labour’s Carwyn Jones was appointed first minister.
He announced his intention to form a Labour-only administration, rather than a coalition with Plaid Cymru or the Liberal Democrats.
Wales has previously had a minister with sole responsibility for heritage, but Huw Lewis has been appointed minister for housing, regeneration and heritage.
David Anderson, director general of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, said there were opportunities for museums in Wales to work across the wider ministerial portfolio, especially around regeneration, and to demonstrate the relevance of culture and heritage.
As part of Northern Ireland’s new coalition government, Sinn Féin has taken over the culture, arts and leisure brief for the first time.
Carál Ní Chuilín takes over as culture minister from Democratic Unionist Nelson McCausland, who caused controversy last year after he urged the Ulster Museum to reflect creationism in displays.
One of Ní Chuilín’s first public duties was to unveil the refurbished Cultra Manor at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.
“The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is responsible for a diverse portfolio that impacts on each and every one of us on some level,” she said.
“I am looking forward to meeting arms-length bodies and leading the department through the challenges ahead.”