Museums Policy Urgent says Committee

A museums policy is vital for setting out a vision for the future and the Government needs to support this strategy urgently. That’s the recommendation of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure (CAL) in their Report on the development of a museums policy, launched today.

The Report, which contains 28 recommendations, outlines the benefits which a museums policy will bring to the sector, particularly in terms of enhancing the role of museums in the tourism and education sectors.

Commenting on the Report, Committee Chairperson Barry McElduff MLA, said,

“This Report shows very clearly the strong support from those who run museums for the development of a museums policy. Without a policy in place, museums are missing out on opportunities to develop their potential to the maximum.

“There needs to be a cross-departmental approach to strengthening the museum sector here. Museums bring huge benefits in terms of tourism, education and creating a shared and better future for all.”

The Report also points to the need for greater integration between independent, council-run and national museums, which would lead to greater sharing of resources and marketing opportunities between museums.

Committee Chairperson Barry McElduff MLA, said,

“We are calling on the Minister to draw on the expertise which already exists within the sector to develop a fit for purpose policy within six months. Our museums sector deserves nothing less.”