CAL Committee calls for new Museums Policy

The Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure today announced that it will carry out an inquiry into developing a museums policy for Northern Ireland.

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

Commenting on the proposed inquiry, Barry McElduff MLA, Chairperson of the Committee said, “Museums play a very important role in our cultural life. That we do not have a formal museums policy may mean that we are missing out on a sector that can deliver real benefits to people, communities and within a tourism strategy.

“The Committee believes that we can benefit from making comparisons with the way other regions and societies deliver in their museums sector so that we may take advantage of best practice and value for money activities.

“Because this is such an important and wide ranging subject we wish to encourage any individual or organisation with an interest in this matter to submit written evidence to the Committee. We look forward to this inquiry producing a positive, forward looking strategy that will benefit our society for years to come.”