Simon Randall, a consultant at Winckworth Sherwood, said: “The restrictions and red tape on local authority museums may have been well-intended, but at a time when funds are desperately short they are crippling and threatening the long-term future of local authority museums.
“Our report recommends the removal and easing of restrictions on sale and that local authority museums be moved into museum trusts to allow them to better access philanthropy and private investment.”
Joanna Bussell, a Partner in the Charities and Local Authority team at Winckworth Sherwood adds: “It is critically important that museums are clear about their focus and their collections reflect that focus. This will inform any rationalisation programme. Communication with key stakeholders will be essential.”
The report states that it is important that any funds raised from the sale of museum items and collections are used to further support and enhance a local authority museum.
Joanna adds: “Disposal should only be considered in the context of reinvestment – reinvestment in the facilities, the services, the cultural offer. It is fully acknowledged that disposals are an emotive subject for the sector with any prospective sale attracting critical headlines. Again, this is why it is critically important for local authority’s to be very clear about their vision and purpose.”
The report also calls on local authority museums to explore new ways to displaying and sharing collections, including allowing other museums, schools, colleges, community centres, libraries and other council-owned buildings to house displays.
Simon adds: “Our report concludes by calling on the Government to review and expand the scope of the Cultural Gifts Scheme and the Acceptance in Lieu tax scheme to encourage donations to museums of important art works
“These schemes currently only allow items that are considered ‘pre-eminent’ to be donated in lieu of a tax payment, meaning many important items do not find their way into local authority museums. The Government could easily extend these schemes with minimal cost.”
A copy of ‘Culture, art and heritage in times of austerity’ is available on request
