Renaissance Review invites evidence

People and organisations with an interest in the future of regional museums have been invited to contribute their views to the independent Review of Renaissance set up by the MLA.

The Review, chaired by Professor Sara Selwood, aims to make practical recommendations that will help ensure this highly valued funding (currently  over  £46m per annum and rising to £48.7m in  2010/11 ), is spent in the most effective way possible on behalf of the public who are using - and those who we would like to see using -  regional museum services.

The Review is being undertaken in three phases as outlined below. 

• Phase 1: Interim findings and recommendations to inform the 2009/11 business plans from June to September 2008
• Phase 2: Fuller report and findings to inform the CSR2011 campaign from October 2008 to January 2009
• Phase 3: Preparing for CSR2011 and reporting on the case for government funding from February 2009. 

The findings of Phase 1 will inform the development of the programme to coincide with MLA's planning cycle.  The first phase will report by September, so the Panel would welcome responses as soon as possible, but before the end of July at the latest.

Many organisations will be contacted individually, including  hub  museums and umbrella groups.  However, the Review group would like to ensure that all those that have a view can provide written responses constructed around the following questions to help ensure the Review focuses on practical recommendations for change.

• What  do you consider to be the five most important achievements of the programme?
• What hasn't it achieved that it should have?
• What has been good about the way the programme has been designed and managed that you would like to see continue?
• What would you like to change about the design and management of the programme?
• What is the most important thing to get right for the future?

Sara Selwood said: “We have a strict timetable we want to meet to ensure we contribute to the future direction of the programme sooner rather than later. However, we are keen on hearing from as wide a range of views as possible, so in addition to speaking to key groups, we are keen on receiving written evidence from anyone, including the general public, who has something to contribute.”

Please direct your responses by filling in our online questionnaire here

Alternatively, you can email renaissancereview@mla.gov.uk.  or write to the Sara Selwood, Renaissance Review Chair, c/o the MLA