On 1 April 2010 Museums, Libraries, Archives Council (MLA) completes its national transformation with the creation of a regional team for London and closure of its last remaining regional MLA agency.
Following agreement with the Mayor of London's Office and trustees, the team from MLA London joins a unified national team with expert staff working flexibly across the nine English regions to develop and improve the country's museums, libraries and archive services. The changes will enable MLA to continue to use its resources, experts and expertise to support local government in every locality throughout England, while enabling MLA to reduce further its overhead costs.
Andrew Motion, Chair of the MLA said: "I am delighted to welcome the London team into the integrated national structure and thank the trustees and staff of MLA London for their past achievements and the contribution they make to the Capital's culture.”
Roy Clare, MLA Chief Executive, adds: “Our transformation comes at time when there is a pressing need for more creative planning to ensure the public get the most out of museums, libraries and archives. Our new prospectus, Sharper Investment for Changing Times, recognises that around three quarters of the £2bn-plus that is spent on cultural services in England is in the control of local, not central government. Armed with practical solutions and examples, our field teams can support local government in re-thinking systems of delivery, based on planning around the needs of people, communities and places.”
The London team will continue to manage the London Cultural Improvement Programme on behalf of the London Cultural Improvement Group and support the strategic improvement needs of the culture sector. They will manage relationships with key stakeholders, including the Mayor’s Office, London Councils, Renaissance London and the London Living Places Partnership.
The Museum team, which delivers London’s museum development service, will transfer to the Museum of London, as the London Museums Renaissance Hub lead, which has funded the programme since it began in 2006. MLA London’s highly regarded Workforce Development Training Programme will be transferred to Hopkins Van Mil: Creating Connections to support the continuing need for more high quality, affordable training opportunities across all three domains. The programme for 2010-11 will be launched shortly and will continue to deliver events for Renaissance London as well as a broader programme.
Andrew Holden, MLA Director of Engagement for London, said: "The cultural sector is facing critical challenges in coping with the new financial environment. The MLA’s integrated structure will enable us to build on the successes we have achieved in the London, particularly through the London Cultural Improvement programme, to equip the sector to meet these challenges. We are particularly grateful for the continuing support from the Mayor’s Office and the close relationships we have with the whole GLA family including the LDA and Visit London, with whom we have been able to support important innovations in the sector supporting business and tourism.”
Munira Mirza, Director of Culture at the GLA, said: "London's museums, libraries and archives are an invaluable component of London’s cultural capital, a jewel in London’s shop window for 2012, and make a strong contribution to the economic and social wellbeing of Londoners and visitors to the Capital. I am confident that the new London MLA team will ensure this critically important sector can be sustained for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations."
Geoffrey Bond OBE, Chair of MLA London, said: "Museums, libraries and archives form a crucial part of London's creative economy, which will be an important driver for the City and the country's recovery. I have been very honoured to have led MLA London as it has built a reputation for championing the richness of the sector's collections. Our approach has reflected the diversity of London bringing great enjoyment to Londoners and visitors to the Capital. I thank most warmly all our past and current trustees and staff for their support and commitment and I wish them well in all their future endeavours".