Editorial

The result of the election was not known as Museums Journal went to press, but regardless of the outcome, there are going to be so many pressing issues to deal with that culture and museums and galleries will probably be a very long way down the to-do list for the new administration.

Culture barely figured in any of the main parties’ manifestos, while the only mention of museums was the promise to keep the nationals free – which is something, although hardly a radical statement of intent. 

But even if the bleary-eyed victor doesn’t start the day on 7 May by announcing a UK-wide cultural strategy, there are some things that museums and the organisations that represent them should consider once the election-night hangover has worn off.

Get yourself some recognition: raise the profile of museums and galleries. The timing couldn’t be better, as end-of-year visitor figures should be available by now - and everything points towards them being record-breaking.

Ensure that all levels of government know that when the economic chips are down, the public want something culturally stimulating, educational and entertaining to do. Culture is not just a nice extra — something you do when all other bases are covered. It is fundamental and the public have voted with their feet.

Don’t chase passing political fads: it won’t work if museums and cultural organisations ditch previous mission statements to jump on new bandwagons. The politicians won’t respect you and, more importantly, neither will the public. If your pre-election raison d’être was access, education and community engagement, don’t dump it all in favour of elite academic shows for traditional audiences.

Museums must decide where they would like to be and what they want if they are to have an influence in the new structure.