At the time of writing, the outcome of the general election is about as clear as mud. So, looking into our muddy crystal ball, how should we prepare for the next government?
First, let’s look at the manifestos. The main three parties all make a small nod to culture and promise that national museums should remain free to the public.
That’s a good thing, although some will question how long the policy can continue in the face of probable new cuts in grant-in-aid funding.
Beyond free entry, there’s a resounding silence from the main parties on the subject
of museums. That’s to be expected – museum policy is not a great feature of the national debate.
Health, education and the national debt are rightly higher up the agenda. But this silence suggests a bit of a failure of imagination from the parties about what museums should be for.
Whether it’s a focus on education, social impact, research or regeneration, it is still up to museums to show politicians and policy-makers the ways in which the sector gives value to the public purse.
We need to make that case most powerfully in the period following the election, whoever is elected.
In advance of this summer’s Comprehensive Spending Review, which is likely to bring major new spending cuts, the Museums Association (MA) will be working with other bodies to advocate for museums and to promote their social value.
And future elections for government in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland will be crucial for cultural policy in each of those countries. Again, the MA will seek to advocate for museums in each one.
Alistair Brown is the policy officer at the Museums Association
First, let’s look at the manifestos. The main three parties all make a small nod to culture and promise that national museums should remain free to the public.
That’s a good thing, although some will question how long the policy can continue in the face of probable new cuts in grant-in-aid funding.
Beyond free entry, there’s a resounding silence from the main parties on the subject
of museums. That’s to be expected – museum policy is not a great feature of the national debate.
Health, education and the national debt are rightly higher up the agenda. But this silence suggests a bit of a failure of imagination from the parties about what museums should be for.
Whether it’s a focus on education, social impact, research or regeneration, it is still up to museums to show politicians and policy-makers the ways in which the sector gives value to the public purse.
We need to make that case most powerfully in the period following the election, whoever is elected.
In advance of this summer’s Comprehensive Spending Review, which is likely to bring major new spending cuts, the Museums Association (MA) will be working with other bodies to advocate for museums and to promote their social value.
And future elections for government in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland will be crucial for cultural policy in each of those countries. Again, the MA will seek to advocate for museums in each one.
Alistair Brown is the policy officer at the Museums Association