The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council is awarding more than £380,000 in grants to museums across England to be used in projects that will collect key audience data in a consistent way. The awards aim to support improved services for people who visit museums by helping the museums themselves to develop a better understanding of their audiences. All museums that have Designated collections are eligible to participate in the initiative, and so far, 26 museums have been awarded grants of around £15,000 each.
A new, interest-free loan scheme called Take it Away aims to make it easier for people to buy their own musical instruments. The scheme is being piloted by Arts Council England, South East based on the same principles as the Own Art scheme for visual art. Loans can be from £100 to £2,000, with repayments spread over 10 months. The scheme is being launched through 10 music instrument retailers and runs until 31 January 2007.
w: http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/takeitaway
Schools and singing groups across the UK are being encouraged to join in and sing the Song for Peace, No wars will stop us singing, on 21 September, to mark the UN International Day of Peace. The initiative is organised by teachers union NASUWT with Youth Music and Peace One Day, and free materials are available to enable groups to participate.
e: [email protected]; w: http://www.teachersunion.org.uk/songforpeace
An evaluation of an Arts Council England South East Senior Management Fellowship has been published by three recent participants, Saj Fareed, Tracey Low and Rajni Shah. The evaluation is designed to be of use to anyone considering applying for or setting up a fellowship, attachment or similar scheme.
w: http://www.rajnishah.com/notbydesign.pdf
Only 6% of people who volunteer as trustees and committee members feel that they are fully equipped for their role, according to new research commissioned for the Make Every Move Count campaign, launched to raise awareness of the resources available to board members. The campaign has been initiated by The Governance Hub and offers an online governance health check and an opportunity for Board members to demonstrate their commitment to good practice by making a pledge to comply with The Code of Governance.
w: http://www.governancehub.org.uk
Open House London, an architecture education organisation committed to raising the standard of Londons built environment, has been appointed by Arts Council England as the host organisation to incubate a new agency to promote and advise on art in the public realm in the capital. The new agency, funded for a two-year pilot period, will support the network of individuals and organisations working in the commissioning and production of public art in London.
A routine asbestos check of the Wyvern Theatre by Swindon Borough Council has led to the closure of the main auditorium for three weeks from 1 September, following the discovery of some material that requires removal. Attempts are being made to re-schedule shows at other venues in the area.
