ACE and other museum bodies publish joint statement on collections at risk 10 Oct 2018

ACE has produced a joint statement with fifteen other museum funding, development and membership bodies about support for museums and collections at risk. It says that although many museums are thriving, some face severe challenges to long-term sustainability. The group, which includes NMDC, AIM, the MA, Museums Galleries Scotland, MALD and others, would like those museums to get in touch to access support and guidance. It says “we urge organisations, or individuals, who have concerns about the sustainability of a museum or collection to contact the most relevant organisation, as early as possible. We commit to sharing information between relevant parties, if given permission to do so, so that we can determine who is best placed to help. We recognise that in some cases, there might be a need for confidentiality and more discreet conversations.” The report identifies a number of factors, most of which have economics as a root cause. These include cuts in funding, loss of workforce and expertise, loss of buildings, potential sale of collections and loss of Accredited status with its associated benefits. It acknowledges that not all museums and their collections can be preserved, but hopes that through early intervention and joint working, solutions can be found for many. ACE