The Museums Association’s Museums 2020 discussion paper is generating considerable debate.
It questions whether museums will have the courage or ability to “step off the tourism treadmill” and notes that funders often expect museums to stimulate tourism: “There is a growing literature that argues in favour of museums focusing on a more sustainable local audience and less on tourists. This can bring social as well as environmental benefits.
“The desire for tourist income can take precedence over a commitment to social justice.”
However, conversely, emerging responses to the Museums 2020 consultation say that the impact of museums on tourism should not be ignored.
Many museums are drivers of tourism and support the UK’s visitor economy. By providing a compelling and distinctive offer for local residents and tourists they provide a worthwhile experience for both.
It is possible for museums to be embedded in their local community as well as being at the heart of the visitor economy. Canterbury’s recently revitalised and restored Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is an example.
The city’s visitor information centre is located inside the new building and the team are knowledgeable about the museum, library and visitor offer across Canterbury district.
The Beaney includes the Front Room, a gallery space in which community and under-represented groups co-produce exhibitions, and a special exhibitions gallery for high-profile exhibitions that appeal to local people and tourists. This integrated service is benefiting the community and visitors.
Over the past decade, numerous exciting new galleries and museums have opened up and down the country. They have become destinations in their own right, making a significant contribution to the economic impact of the area. Museums can be a catalyst for renewal: in Margate, new businesses and a cultural quarter have materialised following the opening of Turner Contemporary.
The museums of the future need to work with other regional organisations to create a distinct offer for their locality by jointly developing and marketing a package to tourists, encompassing cultural activities, food and drink, accommodation and the local environment.
Museums are a key ingredient in this blend of experiences. Cultural provision in east Kent is diverse and the Beaney is collaborating in a new partnership with other cultural organisations to increase connectivity with new and existing audiences by linking programmes and marketing.
Providing a strong visitor experience for tourists does not mean that museums need to lose their principles or their commitment to social justice.
In this age of austerity, museums must be commercially minded in order to be sustainable. This approach can be combined with a strong community focus. Museums can make a difference to local people and tourists alike.
Jo Jones is the director of museums and galleries, Canterbury City Council
It questions whether museums will have the courage or ability to “step off the tourism treadmill” and notes that funders often expect museums to stimulate tourism: “There is a growing literature that argues in favour of museums focusing on a more sustainable local audience and less on tourists. This can bring social as well as environmental benefits.
“The desire for tourist income can take precedence over a commitment to social justice.”
However, conversely, emerging responses to the Museums 2020 consultation say that the impact of museums on tourism should not be ignored.
Many museums are drivers of tourism and support the UK’s visitor economy. By providing a compelling and distinctive offer for local residents and tourists they provide a worthwhile experience for both.
It is possible for museums to be embedded in their local community as well as being at the heart of the visitor economy. Canterbury’s recently revitalised and restored Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is an example.
The city’s visitor information centre is located inside the new building and the team are knowledgeable about the museum, library and visitor offer across Canterbury district.
The Beaney includes the Front Room, a gallery space in which community and under-represented groups co-produce exhibitions, and a special exhibitions gallery for high-profile exhibitions that appeal to local people and tourists. This integrated service is benefiting the community and visitors.
Over the past decade, numerous exciting new galleries and museums have opened up and down the country. They have become destinations in their own right, making a significant contribution to the economic impact of the area. Museums can be a catalyst for renewal: in Margate, new businesses and a cultural quarter have materialised following the opening of Turner Contemporary.
The museums of the future need to work with other regional organisations to create a distinct offer for their locality by jointly developing and marketing a package to tourists, encompassing cultural activities, food and drink, accommodation and the local environment.
Museums are a key ingredient in this blend of experiences. Cultural provision in east Kent is diverse and the Beaney is collaborating in a new partnership with other cultural organisations to increase connectivity with new and existing audiences by linking programmes and marketing.
Providing a strong visitor experience for tourists does not mean that museums need to lose their principles or their commitment to social justice.
In this age of austerity, museums must be commercially minded in order to be sustainable. This approach can be combined with a strong community focus. Museums can make a difference to local people and tourists alike.
Jo Jones is the director of museums and galleries, Canterbury City Council
