Renaissance hubs selected

The Renaissance in the Regions report sketched out the process by which the hubs would be identified. This was followed up by extensive consultation with the museum sector on the set of criteria that would be used to choose a hub for each of the nine English regions. Following that consultation, a revised set of criteria was published and applications to become a Hub were invited by 19 April 2002.

Following extensive collaborative working between regional MLA agencies and Area Museum Councils, professional bodies, the wider museums community and MLA, a single application for hub status was submitted from each region. This was a significant achievement. The museum community in each region emerged at the end of the process with an enhanced understanding of its strengths and weaknesses and a deeper appreciation of the regional issues and priorities it faces.

Having received the nine applications MLA convened an Expert Panel to advise on the suitability of the proposed hub configurations and the individual museums and museum services included. The applications were assessed against the published criteria and guidelines.

The expert panel consisted of:

• Simon Olding, Director Policy and Research, Heritage Lottery Fund
• Jane Ryder, Director, Scottish Museums Council/ MLA Board
• David Fleming, Director, National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside/ Regional Museums Task Force
• Mark Taylor, Director, Museums Association
• Michael Day, Director, Jersey Heritage Trust
• Robert Crawford, Director, Imperial War Museum/ Chairman of NMDC (Chairman of Panel)
• Dr Michael Jubb, Director of Programmes, Arts and Humanities Research Board
• Mark O'Neill, Head of Glasgow Museums and Galleries
• Marie Costigan, Department for Education and Skills
• Emma Scott, Team Leader, Culture on Line, DCMS

Following the Expert Panel's recommendations, the MLA Board, at it meeting on 28 November 2002, agreed the configuration of the regional museum hubs in each of the nine English regions. Each hub has an identified 'lead body' which is responsible for coordinating the activity of the hub.

Click here for the next step in the history of Renaissance: Renaissance funding announced.