Vox pop

“The economic situation demands we forge a sustainable future for museums and galleries in Scotland, one which harnesses the public value of our collections, knowledge and skills. A national strategy should be a platform to achieve this.

While aiming for consensus the strategy should also exploit the dynamic ‘ecology’ of nationals, universities, local authority museums and independents. The key requirement will be effective partnership working.

The strategy should identify priorities and key performance indicators in order to evaluate our impact. University museums have a unique position and expertise to lead on research goals, skills and knowledge exchange, and in the training of the next generation of museum leaders.”


“I would like a strategy that necessitates structural change; challenges inequalities in funding; and assesses the balance between national, local authority and independent provision.

I would expect recognition of our devolved status and an outline of how Scottish cultural institutions fit within the UK framework. I would anticipate the evaluation framework to use the Scottish Government’s National Outcomes prioritising public delivery, partnership working and knowledge retention.

I would expect an acknowledgement of the principles and standards that govern museums and case studies on innovative practice. I would like to see a description of the National Development Body including how it will be formed, funded, evaluated and governed.”


“‘Most of us would agree with the main objectives set out in the strategy and I applaud the ambition, aspiration and vision.

What we need now is strong leadership and a commitment to prioritise and deliver. The creation of the new National Development Body provides the chance to create a more robust relationship with government, and to give greater focus and direction for the entire sector.

Some basic issues need to be tackled: a new approach to the distribution of funding across the sector and a move away from short-term unsustainable initiatives; balancing national and local provision along with a review of the Recognition Scheme (an essential but flawed funding stream); and a consistent and transparent approach to funding industrial museums.”


“I’d like to see the strategy give a clear focus for investment and decision-making. There needs to be prioritisation, both in the final strategy itself and in the work of the new National Development Body Otherwise there is a danger that the national strategy could end up trying to be all things to all people.

The themes of the strategy, for example, are very broad and all-encompassing. This reads well in terms of advocacy, but is it strategic?

In terms of the sustainability of the sector it would be helpful if the strategy could include signposting to funding opportunities (public and private sector) as well as knowledge-sharing. Lastly, the strategy cannot be written, or read, in isolation from the rest of the cultural sector.”