Our next contribution from key culture and sport quangos comes from Roy Clare, MLA Chief Executive:
The MLA has today published a prospectus setting out why it is not enough simply to resist damaging cuts in library and other vital local services. Conscious of the economic realities, at the same time as we make the case to national government for investment in our sector, we also need to offer new solutions.
As the MLA chair, Sir Andrew Motion says: “Cultural and artistic activities are at the heart of Britain’s recovery from recession. Museums, libraries, archives and other places of art and creativity are nourishment for the spirit and encouragement for everyone in times of adversity; these are vital components for tourism, the economy and our sense of well-being. But financial difficulties will bring change whether we like it or not – those delivering the service must not be left unsupported with less cash and limited choices.”
The prospectus, Sharper Investment for Changing Times, www.mla.gov.uk recognises that around three quarters of the £2bn-plus that is spent on museum, library and archives in England is in the control of local, not central government. It foresees the need for radical re-thinking of systems of delivery, based on planning around the needs of people, communities and places.
With practical solutions and examples of good practice from local councils, the prospectus speaks to national and local government and recommends:
• museums, libraries and archives to work harder to share their resources and make a wider public impact as efficiently as possible, concentrating less on sustaining costly buildings and storing unseen objects, and more on opening up fantastic collections of books, records and iconic artefacts for learning and enjoyment
• national government to ensure the longer term funding and statutory framework is one in which councils, museums, libraries and archives can have the freedom, flexibility and stability to plan for far-reaching change
• local government to identify more efficient delivery models, using Total Place methodologies, to utilise the value of museum, library and archive services for wider purposes, innovating and integrating with other services, working across boundaries, and with public and private partners using new forms of governance where appropriate.
On the back of this launch, we look forward to a stimulating fruitful discussion that will help the sector plan for the future, regardless of the outcome of the general election, and the MLA is on hand to work with councils in every region delivering the practical solutions that will be needed.
Tags: archives, funding, investment, libraries, MLA, museums
April 6, 2010 at 10:12 am |
[...] edition also includes a foreword by Roy Clare, Chief Executive of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, who throws down the gauntlet to [...]