From 1st October 2011, new arrangements for the delivery of responsibilities previously undertaken by the MLA on museums, libraries and archives take effect. This follows the decision of the Secretary of State to close the MLA as part of a government review designed to reduce the number of arms-length agencies.
Arts Council England takes over museums and libraries responsibilities, including the Renaissance programme, Museum Accreditation, and Library Development, together with cultural property services such as Export Licensing and the Acceptance in Lieu scheme
Some MLA staff have moved to posts with the Arts Council to help deliver these functions and responsibilities.
The National Archives assumes responsibility for providing strategic leadership to the archives sector and advising government on its development.
The MLA is now winding down, with a skeleton staff remaining until May 2012 to complete the management of existing Renaissance contracts, complete outstanding financial and contractual arrangements and prepare for the appointment of a liquidator.
This website will remain live until 31st March so that the public still has full access to the material on it – good practice case studies, toolkits, guidance and a range of other publications. The site will not be updated, so please treat it as the static archive it is. Where material is still relevant under the new arrangements, the Arts Council and The National Archives are transferring the content to their sites as appropriate.
All general enquiries on museum and library national matters should be made to Arts Council England For enquires relating to archives please ring 020 8876 3444
Enquiries about residual matters relating to the historical work of the MLA or its winding up process, should be made to 0121 667 4326. (Until end October 2011 press enquiries on MLA residual matters to 07738 100 085)