Simon Cane, head of operations, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
“What is particularly important in a national/regional partnership, is mutual understanding and respect underpinned by shared goals and beliefs.
Partnership should deliver demonstrable benefits in terms of new opportunities for audiences and staff, and enhance reputations locally, regionally and nationally.
The partnership model proposed by the National Museum Directors’ Conference presents a 21st-century approach that moves us away from the redundant model of the physical extension of national institutions through regional franchises, which can undermine the existing cultural offer, towards the idea of truly national collections.”
Janet Barnes, chief executive, York Museums Trust
“We are delighted to be in partnership with the British Museum. The joint purchase of the Vale of York Viking Hoard was built on decades of cooperation, and the partnership is now more formal and more fruitful.
From February to June, 40 archaeological objects from the Yorkshire Museum will be on display at the British Museum, then when the Yorkshire Museum reopens after a £2m refurbishment, British Museum loans will contextualise the new Roman York gallery. The strength of the British Museum brand will undoubtedly bring in new visitors.
We also expect positive outcomes in staff development, sharing of expertise, research and advocacy.”
Adrian Jenkins, director, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle
“It is important that the museum sector recognises that collectively we represent a single national collection of objects, whether they are housed in London or Barnard Castle.
As a result, any relationship between a national and regional should be a mutual two-way partnership with opportunities to learn and benefit on both sides.
That said, while there are a huge number of masterpieces and precious objects in our regional collections, the opportunity to include ‘more famous’ objects from national collections offers regional museums the potential to raise their individual profiles among visitors and the national and international museum network through a dynamic loans partnership arrangement.”
Helen White, senior manager, Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums
“A willingness to listen. The partnerships that work best are those where a national is genuinely enthusiastic about sharing its collections and expertise with regional audiences, and is prepared to work collaboratively with colleagues over a period of time to develop and tailor an offer, rather than imposing a pre-conceived formula.
Staff exchanges can also prove invaluable in widening perspectives and sharing experiences. It’s important that the impetus isn’t lost through retrenchment at a time of increasing budgetary pressures – partnerships with national museums have contributed hugely to the quality and depth of programming in the regions.”
