The Federation welcomes this new initiative, which is in response to the active debate, initiated by the Museums Association, on collecting and collections. As collections are core to a museum’s role and function, high profile funding initiatives such as this highlights and refocuses attention on an aspect of museum work that has been suppressed in the rush to provide more visible services over the last few years.

The Federation is anxious that all types and sizes of museums feel they can be part of this initiative from large local authority to the very small independent museums, and will not be discouraged from applying owing to difficulties of capacity. It will be important that projects under this initiative reflect the differing types of museums, differing structures and the variety of collections across the UK.

Q1. Do you agree with the proposed scope of the initiative?

Yes, the fund will enable successful applicants to view collection purchases in the wider context of the strategic development of collections. It is important that museums are aware of the long term implications of collecting, so research and the use of collections are equally or more important as the physical acquisition of an item

Q2. Do you agree with the definition of eligible applicants?

Yes. In order to safeguard collections museums participating must be Registered/Accredited. We are very pleased to see that partnership applications are encouraged, as the benefits will be wider spread. This is important for museums in Wales where partnership can provide the capacity to deliver both strong vision and strong outcomes.

Q3. If not who should the initiative be open to?

N/A

Q4. Should higher priority be given to some types of museum or collection over others? Why?

Perhaps. In general terms it is important that all museums can participate in this initiative on equal terms. However, smaller museums, which have particular difficulties in purchasing objects and developing collections, could be in a better position to deliver more spectacular results. It may also be the case that consortia of local museums (and this could be a particular case in Wales) would have a better strategic result in terms of developing collections within the terms of the criteria. There is a danger that priority might be given to museums or types of collections that reflect strategies that are England only. This must not be the case. Renaissance and Designation for instance apply only in England – museums in these schemes may try and make a case for priority but this should be resisted. Every application should be assessed on its individual merits and not by comparisons with others – comparisons that might be invalid given the different patterns of museums and museum funding in the UK.

Q5. Do you agree with the proposed criteria for the initiative?

We are particularly pleased that

• Local significance is recognised, as many initiatives seem to want something that a good locally based collection cannot deliver. Yet local people cherish these collections as much if not more so than collections of national or international importance.

• Research is recognised as an essential element – it will be a good example to follow, as most museums currently don’t have time for meaningful research.

• The use and outcomes for audiences are strong elements.

• Evaluation and information dissemination. The Federation is supportive of initiatives whose outcomes can be of value to all museums across Wales and be used as good examples for others to develop collections as an integral part of a museum’s service to the community.

The requirement to link with strategies is laudable but care should be taken to assess the relevance of any strategies - if they exist at all. For instance there is as yet no national Museum Strategy for Wales.

Q6. Are there other criteria that should be added?

We suggest:

• A requirement that applicants have either sufficient existing resources to appropriately care for and conserve any proposed acquisitions, or that this is built into any application,.

• How a project could benefit a region/ nation should be an added criteria – this is particularly true of the non-purchasing aspects of the initiative.

• There is also a need to recognise capacity issues and size of museum and that small museums or consortia can deliver significant benefits for the heritage.

Q7. Do you agree with the proposed outcomes for the initiative?

We support the outcomes as listed, as the initiative has to have lasting value to museums beyond the timescale, and beyond just the purchase of objects. The public appreciation of collections, their care and use should be a major part of the initiative.

Q8. Are there other outcomes that should be added?

The contribution to national / regional strategies and agendas is crucial to the long-term value of any application especially in areas such as Wales where the need to work together and learn from each other is so important. Outcomes should also include the long term care of collections to ensure access for future generations of users.

Q9. Should some outcomes have higher priority than others?

We are of the opinion that outcomes should have equal status and the quality of applications overall should be the criteria for success. There is a danger if some outcomes have higher priority then applicants will skew applications, rather than concentrate on the key elements of their project.

Q10. Do you agree with the proposal that at least 50% of HLF’s grant should be devoted to purchases?

Purchase of objects is only the first stage in developing effective collections. Whilst HLF may wish to ensure that on average, across all applications, the amount of grant devoted to purchases is around 50%, there must be some flexibility. If this initiative is to really work in developing collections, then the collection management and public accessibility aspects take on considerable importance. It may also be difficult for applicants, despite their best endeavours to find enough items of the quality or relevance required to fulfil a 50% quota. There should therefore be some flexibility through the life of any project, and the initiative, to vary the proportion of grant for purchases against other work.

Q11. What kinds of advice and support would you like to see offered: a) before application; and b) during the life of the initiative?

a) Pre application advice through seminars is supported.

b) Most museums will have the experience or other support mechanisms (regional agencies, specialist subject networks, mda etc.) regarding advice on purchasing and collection management and public activities. Many museum curators already have the key skills in place to deliver projects so support in these areas is less of a priority. We would have thought events to share the experience and disseminate knowledge are essential parts of individual projects and should be built into applications. Networking with other successful applicants will be important but again should be seen as integral to applications rather than something done by others.