Public Notice - Inquiry into the Development of a Museums Policy for Norther Ireland

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure will undertake an inquiry into ‘The Development of a Museums Policy for Northern Ireland’.

The Committee will consider the impact on museums in Northern Ireland as result of the lack of a formal Departmental policy on museums.

The terms of reference for the inquiry will be:

1. To consider the impact on museums in Northern Ireland resulting from a lack of a formal Departmental policy on museums over a number of years;
2. To examine/consider the Departmental guidelines currently used in place of a formal policy.
3. To examine levels of public and private sector investment in museums in Northern Ireland and to compare with other UK regions and the Republic of Ireland and to assess how the associated impacts on individuals, communities and the economy are measured and analysed;
4. To draw on research and evidence on best practice on policy for museums which results in building a joined-up museum sector that will, over the long-term, deliver real benefit to individuals, communities and the economy and the associated outcomes;
5. To seek input from the museums sector and stakeholders to establish views on a way forward for museums in Northern Ireland;
6. To report to the Assembly making recommendations to the Department and/ or others.

Any organisation or individual who may wish to submit to the inquiry is invited to submit written evidence by email to (committee.cal@niassembly.gov.uk) or by post to the address below.

A short guide on submitting written evidence is available from the Committee Clerk at the address below.

The closing date for submissions is 10 June 2008.

Information regarding the inquiry can be obtained from the Assembly’s website –

www.niassembly.gov.uk

All enquiries/submissions should be addressed to:

The Committee Clerk
Room 424
Parliament Buildings
Belfast
BT4 3XX