The government funded Renaissance in the Regions programme has been supporting the needs of non-Hub museums and galleries across the North West since 2004. The 2006-2008 MDF allocation of £195,000 for the North West has been match funded by the North West Hub which will allow for more activity and development to support even more museums across the region. In particular, we have two new posts at MLA North West, funded by the North West Hub, who will drive forward museum development activities over the next few years. The Renaissance Development Officers, who will be in post from summer 2006, will work with museum staff to coordinate networks and activity across the region, supporting best practice and workforce development activities. Further information regarding their activity will be posted on the website in due course.
The recent Collections for the Future report by the Museums Association is influencing our work on collections development and the new Renaissance Development Officers will be focusing, in the first instance, on developing a Collections for the Future Action Plan for the region. See the Museums Association’s Collections for the Future report below for reference.
Museum Development Fund 2006 – Hidden Histories: Opening up Collections
In June 2006 a total of £48, 827 in grants of between £2000 and £5000 was awarded from the Renaissance-funded Museum Development Fund to 11 non-hub museums across the region to work on projects that make direct links between collections and audiences. The Hidden Histories projects are underpinned by the recommendations of the 2005 Museums Association report, Collections for the Future.
Applicant
Project
Cumbria Coast Leaning Network
Your History - On The Road
Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum, near Crewe
Revealing the hidden histories of Englesea Brook’s banners
Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool
Interpreting our Ivory collection
Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester
Different Landscapes II
Prescot Museum, Knowsley
Curated by…
Salford Heritage Services
Once Upon a Tide
Senhouse Roman Museum, Maryport
Thrown Together
Warrington Museum and Art Gallery
Re-drawing the Map
Gallery Oldham
Minding the Gaps
Lancashire County Museum Service (Judge’s Lodgings and Lancaster Maritime Museum)
From Archives to Airways
Salt Museum, Northwich
Made in Mid Cheshire
Below is a summary of the funded projects and an update on how they’re going. The final project reports will be available on the website in December 2006.
For further information please contact Catriona West
E:
T: 01925 625056
