“The new secretary of state should argue the case with the Treasury that public spending on cultural activity is essential for the health of the nation in so many ways. And he should continue to argue that cultural activity outside London is hugely important. We have a crisis in the funding of local authority museums, and it would be good if he confronts that. Creating an environment that encourages philanthropic funding of museums, and bringing sense to the UK’s international museum activities, would be other things he could very usefully pursue.”
David Fleming, director, National Museums Liverpool
“Implementing the Mendoza Review’s recommendations should be a top priority, including growing and diversifying audiences, developing a dynamic approach to collections and delivering cultural education. The MA’s Museums Taskforce has already identified relevance, funding and collections as top priorities for museums. So alongside a more joined-up approach from government, agencies and funders, the sector needs clear strategic direction with an emphasis on public benefit and a stable funding environment – in other words, a new Renaissance.”
Sharon Heal, director, Museums Association (MA)
“Top of my priorities for Hancock is the implementation of the Museum Action Plan, following the recommendations of the Mendoza Review of museums in England.
This should look at addressing the issues around business rates for museums and giving an indication of funding sources for the future. I would also like to see Hancock respond to the analysis that suggests a no-deal Brexit would put more cultural jobs at risk – less opportunities could create another barrier to diversifying our workforce.”
Hannah Peaden Head of visitor engagement, Auckland Castle
“Hancock’s priorities should focus on making the argument for more funding to the cultural sector – to central government and to local councils. This is especially important as the sector faces more uncertainties in regards to funding and job creation as a result of the implications of Brexit. He also needs to promote the creation of new job opportunities in the sector, as highly skilled professionals are competing for a dwindling number of positions. And he should address the falling wages in the museum sector compared with comparable sectors.”
Elliot Goodger, Birmingham Museums Trust
David Fleming, director, National Museums Liverpool
“Implementing the Mendoza Review’s recommendations should be a top priority, including growing and diversifying audiences, developing a dynamic approach to collections and delivering cultural education. The MA’s Museums Taskforce has already identified relevance, funding and collections as top priorities for museums. So alongside a more joined-up approach from government, agencies and funders, the sector needs clear strategic direction with an emphasis on public benefit and a stable funding environment – in other words, a new Renaissance.”
Sharon Heal, director, Museums Association (MA)
“Top of my priorities for Hancock is the implementation of the Museum Action Plan, following the recommendations of the Mendoza Review of museums in England.
This should look at addressing the issues around business rates for museums and giving an indication of funding sources for the future. I would also like to see Hancock respond to the analysis that suggests a no-deal Brexit would put more cultural jobs at risk – less opportunities could create another barrier to diversifying our workforce.”
Hannah Peaden Head of visitor engagement, Auckland Castle
“Hancock’s priorities should focus on making the argument for more funding to the cultural sector – to central government and to local councils. This is especially important as the sector faces more uncertainties in regards to funding and job creation as a result of the implications of Brexit. He also needs to promote the creation of new job opportunities in the sector, as highly skilled professionals are competing for a dwindling number of positions. And he should address the falling wages in the museum sector compared with comparable sectors.”
Elliot Goodger, Birmingham Museums Trust
