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Contact: John Harrison, Head of Media Relations 0207 273 1402 john.harrison@mla.gov.uk

Cultural frontline funding secured as MLA pledges to sharpen its focus

A government funding settlement targeted at the cultural frontline, with the flagship regional Renaissance programme for museums secured for the next three years, has been welcomed by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council today.

The MLA has pledged to reduce its own operating costs and tackle regional duplication in the effort to ensure cash to programmes that directly benefit museums, galleries, archives and libraries, is protected. 

The Partnership is gearing up to reduce its own costs by more than 20 per cent. Funding from the government over the three years goes from £61,621m this year to £62,365m in 2010/11. The bulk of that cash is targeted at Renaissance, rising with inflation to over £48m at the end of the three year period.

MLA Chair Mark Wood said: “The recognition of the success of the Renaissance programme is very welcome. This settlement is a substantial commitment to the frontline and a testament to the hard work of museum staff, hub leaders and MLA partners in the regions. 

“The MLA Partnership will now step up the effectiveness of its services and proactively assist museums, galleries, libraries and archives to benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. We will engage with local government and other bodies and collaborate across the arts and cultural sectors to add value and promote excellence.”

This transformation will see the MLA Council and the regional agencies deliver much greater impact, and in due course unifying. Several functions will be moved away from London and the emphasis will be on business to business activity and delivery in the regions, with the regional agencies becoming more closely involved in decision-making.

Staff reductions will be unavoidable, but the MLA hopes that a number of these will be achieved over time through normal turnover and the MLA Council is likely to relocate to smaller premises in London by next summer.

Chief Executive of the MLA Partnership Roy Clare said: “The MLA Partnership can emerge from this period stronger and better than ever. I look forward to the challenge and to working with staff, who will wish to see the new project succeed well. We will move as efficiently and rapidly as possible. The objectives for improving effectiveness and efficiency are tough; there is no time to lose and we must rapidly build up and reinforce our reputation for delivery on behalf of the sector we represent.”

 Ends
Notes to Editors

1. The MLA Partnership is government’s agency for museums, galleries, libraries and archives. We deliver strategic leadership in England and in each of its regions and we collaborate with partners across the UK. Our research identifies good practice, which we use to promote improvement. We offer advice, support and resources to funding bodies and other groups to incentivise innovation. Our aim is to raise professional standards and champion better services for users and readers of all ages and backgrounds, whether residents or visitors. Visit: www.mla.gov.uk

2. The settlement was announced today by DCMS www.dcms.gov.uk