Museum Development Advisory Panel Meeting, Monday 14th July 2014, The
Bate Collection, Oxford
Attending
Andy Lamb, Bill Griffiths, Jane Bowen, Carol Anderson, Lucy Shaw, Emma Banks,
Angela Houghton.
Apologies
Kate Arnold-Forster, Martin Ray, John Blaney, Alice Le Page
1. Revised Terms of Reference
Andy Lamb was nominated Chair and Bill Griffiths Vice-Chair.
The Terms of Reference were agreed in principle – one more vote is required for
agreement (the vote will be carried out by e-mail).
It was agreed that a basic supply of information regarding the type of museums in
their region will be sent to the representatives. Action: EB to distribute information
by the end of September 2014.
JB noted that the role involves being a champion for the MD service as well as for
the region.
EB informed the group that Alice Le Page has stepped down as she has now left
Windsor Museum. Action: EB to check with members who have not yet attended a
meeting to ask whether they to continue in the role on the panel and advertise role/s
as necessary stating that we are particularly looking for those who are relatively new
to the sector by the date of the next meeting.
2. Museum Development 2014-15 Programme Update & Advice
EB gave an update on the activity programme – the question arose as to how many
museums approximately there are that are not accredited and may engage with
Accreditation? Action: EB to supply information prior to the next meeting.
It was agreed that in future figures of number of visits etc. would be included activity
plan Action: EB to add data and distribute prior to the next meeting.
Conservation Cohort – LS mentioned that Bethany at MNH can support Pest
Management training. Action: EB to make contact as necessary
Interpretation Project – EB reported that 5 museums will be taking part in the
programme with Interpretation Consultant Steve Slack.
Training sessions – EB voiced concerns that two sessions have had to be cancelled
over Q1 of the 2014-15 programme. One session was on the topic of ‘Community
Collecting’ – it was thought this may have been too WW1 focused and could perhaps
concentrate on developing audiences instead. Action: EB to investigate other
options in Q2 and Q3.
The other session was sharing outcomes from COAM Museum’s Micro-Consultancy
project regarding the introduction an Annual Pass. It was thought this could be
delivered as part of a wider topic on maximising income opportunities – which could
include case studies from museums who are working in specific area – perhaps in
the format of a round table/ informal session? Action: EB to investigate options in
Q2 and Q3
Micro-Training Grants – EB voiced concerns that there has been little interest in this
programme so far through 2014-15. Action: EB to send further reminders and let
people know about the programme by the end of August
A discussion took place about the scope of the newsletter and how far it reaches.
Action: EB to send reminders that people can sign up themselves for the BOB enewsletter by mid September.
Advice was given from the group regarding supporting two places at MA Conference
and advertising to BOB Museum staff. Action: EB to book 2 places at the
conference and advertise to BOB Museum staff to enable attendance in October
2014.
The Sub-regional Conference, to be held late February/early March was discussed.
The group suggested the following content
-
What has been happening in the region
Networks – advertising e.g. someone from each of the networks etc.
Programming around the structure of the programme
Micro-Consultancies
Breakout sessions on specific topics
We will be looking to have approx. 50-100 people to attend.
Andy Lamb kindly offered the possibility of using the Bate Collection and Lucy Shaw
suggested that the Museum of Natural History Lecture Theatre may also be a
possible venue.
Action: EB to develop the content and location for the event further in Q2 and Q3
3. Update on Museum Development Bid 2015-18
CA updated the group on the timescales for the MD programme.
A bid has been submitted for the 2015-18 period with the same regional partners as
the 2012-15 programme. A decision will be announced by the Arts Council England
on Friday 26th September.
The bid concentrates on building capacity into the programme to allow for future
sustainability, this includes working with other MD providers.
4. Delivery Methods 2015-18
A discussion was held regarding the proposed delivery methods for the 2015-18
programme
- Development Grants
- Peer Support
- Partnerships
- Strategic Collaborations
- Communications
- Research & Data collection
- Advice, support & signposting
5. Date of next meeting will be held on Thursday 23rd October, 10.00am12.00pm at the Pitt Rivers Museum in the Seminar Room.