This month we are sharing news on the launch of the 2020 Annual Survey of Museums, new resources, the latest grant announcements and our usual thematic top tips.
Annual Survey of Museums 2020 launch
The survey is more important this year than ever as we seek to gain an insight into the impact of the pandemic on all museums.
Panel discussion on reopening – summary
On 3rd July 2020, we held an online Panel Discussion on the theme of museums reopening. The session was hosted by our Board Member Crystal Johnson, with panelists Philip Walker, Sam Astill, Hannah Jones and Vicky de Wit.
Latest guidance on face coverings and masks
From Saturday 8th August, face masks will required by law in ‘indoor settings where you are likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet’ which now includes museums and galleries. Read the full government update here.
The Good Practice Guidance from the National Museum Director’s Council on ‘Opening Museums after July 4th’ will be periodically updated with guidance.
South West Museum Development team news
We are pleased to announce our new Cornwall Museum Development Officer – Stephanie Clemens.
Steph is joining the team from her most recent role in the National Trust as Regional Registrar for Devon and Cornwall. Steph will be based with the Cornwall Museums Partnership team in Redruth. She works full time and can be contacted at: [email protected]
Pest Partners: first monitoring kits out for delivery!
Helena has sent out the first wave of pest monitoring kits to those who have registered to be a Pest Partner. Our newly commissioned ‘how to’ videos on our website show Helena guiding you through the process of setting up and monitoring these traps.
There is still time to become a Pest Partner Application deadline 1st September 2020 – read more on our Pest Partner page
Collections resource – Cleaning in the museum
As museums begin to reopen, our Conservation Development Officer, Helena, shared her recommendations on safely cleaning your museum and the potential problems with fogging. The resource includes Helena’s top tips for cleaning your museum instead of fogging. Find out more about cleaning in your museum.
Collections Trust: Coffee time – Pests in your collection
Join Sarah Brown, Outreach Officer at Collections Trust and our Conservation Development Officer, Helena to talk about pests in your collections.
Join in the conversation on August 12th 11-11:45am
Digital Skills for Heritage resource: Online Privacy and Security
Naomi Korn Associates have produced this resource for the National Lottery Heritage Fund – Digital Skills for Heritage. It gives an overview of issues museums are likely to encounter online.
It includes checklists and advice to help you understand and manage online activity. Download the resource
Funding: The government’s £1.57 billion rescue package
This fund has been launched through the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to safeguard cultural and heritage organisations across the UK from the economic impact of COVID-19.
This funding is to ensure, that by March 2021, organisations currently at risk can reopen or operate on a sustainable basis until they are able to reopen.
The DCMS rescue package is being distributed by Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and the British Film Institute.
Read Arts Council CEO Darren Henley’s latest blog and CEO National Lottery Heritage Fund Ros Kerslake’s latest blog setting out what the fund means for the arts and cultural sector and what happens next.
Arts Council England – Culture Recovery Fund
(Distributing up to £500 million of the £1.57 billion package)
For Accredited museums and those working towards Accreditation
Minimum of £50,000 up to a maximum of £3 million
Full information, guidance and FAQs can be found on the
Arts Council England website.
National Lottery Heritage Fund: Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage
(distributing £88 million of the £1.57 billion package)
for non-Accredited museums and heritage organisations
Minimum grants of £10,000 up to a maximum of £3 million
Full information, guidance and FAQs can be found on the
National Lottery Heritage Fund website