In March, the Museums Association published Empowering Collections, the report based on its research project into the future management and use of collections. The report is intended to be a long-term strategic guide for museums
Gillian Findlay, interim head of museums and collections, Culture Perth and Kinross
“This report is a timely, welcome focus on the potential of collections and a powerful advocacy tool. At Culture Perth and Kinross, where our holdings are Recognised for their national significance, we will refer to it for practical purposes immediately; from policy development and funding applications to seeking new collaborations, progressing our participatory approach and exploring best practice. Longer term, it can provide the basis for a cultural review, ensuring all our staff and volunteers feel equipped to put collections at the centre of their work.”
Kevin Gosling, chief executive, Collections Trust
“We’ll redouble our recent efforts to ‘banish the backlog’ – not least the backlog mentality – and prioritise the kind of ‘use-led’ projects called for in this report. Spectrum 5.0 and the Collections Trust’s outreach work has taken this approach for the past couple of years, but we clearly need to make sure everyone gets the memo. Museums do need basic, inventory-level information, but it’s less than they probably think. We’re also making progress towards Culture Grid 2.0, which will help with no fewer than three of the report’s recommendations.”
Steve Miller, head of Norfolk Museums Service
“Norfolk Museums Service has been on an exciting journey over recent years in terms of our approach to collections, using new digital platforms such as Google Arts & Culture to extend our engagement and working with contemporary artists as part of our rationalisation programmes. However, what this report gives our teams – curatorial, learning and collections management – is a framework to evaluate where we’ve got to and where we need to focus over the coming years, particularly making sure our collections remain relevant to our diverse audiences. ”
Gillian Findlay, interim head of museums and collections, Culture Perth and Kinross
“This report is a timely, welcome focus on the potential of collections and a powerful advocacy tool. At Culture Perth and Kinross, where our holdings are Recognised for their national significance, we will refer to it for practical purposes immediately; from policy development and funding applications to seeking new collaborations, progressing our participatory approach and exploring best practice. Longer term, it can provide the basis for a cultural review, ensuring all our staff and volunteers feel equipped to put collections at the centre of their work.”
Kevin Gosling, chief executive, Collections Trust
“We’ll redouble our recent efforts to ‘banish the backlog’ – not least the backlog mentality – and prioritise the kind of ‘use-led’ projects called for in this report. Spectrum 5.0 and the Collections Trust’s outreach work has taken this approach for the past couple of years, but we clearly need to make sure everyone gets the memo. Museums do need basic, inventory-level information, but it’s less than they probably think. We’re also making progress towards Culture Grid 2.0, which will help with no fewer than three of the report’s recommendations.”
Steve Miller, head of Norfolk Museums Service
“Norfolk Museums Service has been on an exciting journey over recent years in terms of our approach to collections, using new digital platforms such as Google Arts & Culture to extend our engagement and working with contemporary artists as part of our rationalisation programmes. However, what this report gives our teams – curatorial, learning and collections management – is a framework to evaluate where we’ve got to and where we need to focus over the coming years, particularly making sure our collections remain relevant to our diverse audiences. ”
