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£3m MLA Funding Boosts Regional Museums
By Graham Spicer
04/04/2006
Image: photo of an old double decker tram
A project will see local people curate an exhibition from the science and industry collection at Birmingham's Thinktank museum. © Thinktank Trust
Some of England’s most important regional museum collections are to be given a boost thanks to grants totalling £3m from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).
A total of 34 projects will receive the funding, which is provided through the Designation Challenge Fund, and will help to make collections as accessible to as many people as possible.
“MLA’s vision for the future of England’s museums is of places where everyone can be inspired to learn and to enjoy these fantastic collections,” said Chris Batt, MLA Chief Executive.
Image: photo of the interior of a museum containing two large totem poles
The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University will put its collection of Nunavet artefacts, photographs and documents online. Courtesy MAA
“Our role is to encourage museums to exploit fully the possibilities for these collections, exploring innovative ways to reach audiences whether in the local community or beyond,” he explained.
All of the chosen museums hold designated collections, which means they have been recognised as being of outstanding national and international importance. A project at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery will see local communities develop a self-curated exhibition from the science and industry collection at Thinktank, Birmingham’s Science Museum.
Another scheme will see the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge put its resource of photographs, documents and objects from arctic people in eastern Canada online. The museum will also gather input from the Nunavet community there.
Image: photo of a boy wearing a roman helmet
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery in Exeter will work with local schools and universities to maintain access to its world cultures collections. Courtesy Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Other recipients of the funding include Sheffield Galleries and Museums Trust, London’s Sir John Soane’s Museum and The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery in Exeter.
The projects build on the recommendations of the Museums Association’s (MA) Collections For The Future report. Mark Taylor, Director of the MA, welcomed the funding:
“These awards will shed new light on some of England’s most important museum collections, enabling many more people to enjoy them through new displays and exhibitions, on the web and through outreach events,” he said.
“These awards are a vital step forward in helping museums to realise the potential of their collections more fully.”
Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DZ, Cambridgeshire, England
Open: Tues-Sat 1400-1630
Closed: Bank Holidays
1 week Christmas & Easter
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH, West Midlands, England
Open: Mon-Thurs & Sat 1000-1700
Fri 1030-1700
Sun 1230-1700
Thinktank: Birmingham's science museum
Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG, West Midlands, England
T: 0121 202 2222
Open: Thinktank is open seven days a week from 10.00am to 5.00pm with last admissions at 4.00pm.
Closed: Thinktank is closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Museums Sheffield
Leader House, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 2LH, South Yorkshire, England
T: 0114 278 2612
Open: Graves Art Gallery, Mon - Sat 10am-5pm
Millennium Galleries, Mon - Sat 10am-5pm Sun 11am-5pm
Closed: Graves Art Gallery, Sun
Sir John Soane's Museum
13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP, England
Open: Tues-Sat 1000-1700
1st Tues in month 1800-2100
Mon Bank holidays & Christmas Period Closed
Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery
Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3RX, Devon, England
Open: N.B. Main Museum building currently closed for refurbishment, re-opens Spring 2010
However, you can visit RAMM in the Library, Exeter Museum's city centre home while the Queen Street building is being redeveloped.
Based next door to Exeter Central Library in Castle Street, Exeter, RAMM in the library has a range of objects on display and there are also hands-on gallery activities. RAMM in the Library is an ideal place for family visits.
RAMM in the Library is Open Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Admission Free.
Please see our listings on 24 Hour Museum website or the Museum's own website for the wide programme of exhibitions, events and activities taking place around Exeter and Devon whilst the main Museum building is closed.
You can also visit St Nicholas Priory - A Tudor Home, at the Mint, off Fore St Exeter. In part of what was once a medieval priory this splendid building was later lived in by the wealthy Hurst family. It is now presented as their Elizabethan town house with replica furniture, sumptuous fabrics and rich colours. Come and feel at home in this historic family home. Open on Saturdays and on weekdays during school holidays 10.00 - 17.00. Admission £2 for adults (£1.50 concessions), children free. All children aged under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. www.exeter.gov.uk/priory
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