The threat of terrorism is thought to have contributed to falling visitor numbers at some of London’s leading museums and galleries, although the V&A bucked the trend with record figures.
Arts Council England has committed to developing a Museums Action Plan, on the recommendation of the first independent review of the museums sector for more than ten years.
Abbot Hall in Kendal, a Grade I listed mansion and now home to an art gallery and museum, is in the early stages of its redevelopment. Gordon Watson outlines the proposals.
Why do we talk about organisational change as if there are right and wrong answers? David Jubb discusses how the Scratch collaborative process for theatre production is also a powerful tool for organisational development.
The Canterbury Heritage Museum has attracted fewer and fewer visitors in recent years, but a rescue plan involving the Marlowe Theatre is set to revitalise it. Janice McGuinness tells the story.
Preston’s Harris Museum and Art Gallery needs ‘re-imagining’ and who better to do it than the young people who will be its visitors in the years to come, says Matthew Wilde.
Despite the cuts, many museums are managing to increase income through commercial activities and fundraising, the Museums Association’s survey has found.
An economic and social impact study has revealed how National Museums Liverpool contributes to the local economy, tourism, education and health and wellbeing.
The rise of the selfie has created new problems for those managing ‘dark tourism’ sites, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau. Félicie Kertudo examines how they can promote themselves ethically.
Should museums shy away from talking about torture, sexuality and death with children? Sacha Coward explains why he thinks no topic should be off limits.
Many great public art collections were founded upon the bequests of private collectors, but how can galleries engage the collectors and philanthropists of the future? Kirstie Hamilton reports on Museums Sheffield investigations.
Claire Antrobus reveals how volunteers, trustees and staff at Ripon Museum Trust have developed their leadership and coaching skills, resulting in greater organisational resilience, better internal communication and clearer roles.
Could arts organisations be doing more to help young people at the start of their careers? Sam Jackman and Mary Olszewska feed back on a scheme aiming to do just that in Plymouth.
Anti-oil campaigners are calling for the Museum’s sponsorship deal with BP to be reviewed following revelations that trustees weren’t involved in the decision to renew the relationship.
Visitor numbers may have grown, but the diversity of museum-goers in London has hardly changed over the past ten years. James Doeser and colleagues suggest what new research is needed if London’s museums are to understand how to attract new audiences.
Training has given many non-specialist fundraisers in the East of England the skills and confidence to make their case to potential funders, says Miranda Rowlands.
