Why has the Renaissance Review been set up?

Renaissance is the most significant initiative in museums for at least 30 years. Six years on from its start, the MLA believes it is now a good time to have a fresh, thorough and independent look at the quality and scope of its effectiveness. The findings of the Review will be used to inform and shape the delivery of Renaissance from 1 April 2009. 

How often does the advisory group meet?

The advisory group has been meeting once a month since March 2008. The Chair, Sara Selwood, is responsible for leading the work of the Review between meetings.

What evidence will it consider?

The advisory group will consider any significant evidence of the impact of Renaissance since the programme started.  It is commissioning a series of reports which will inform the Review and is inviting submissions from everyone with an interest in Renaissance’s development. 

Who is going to be consulted?

Key individuals and organisations directly involved in delivering the programme, national umbrella groups, and stakeholders are amongst those  being consulted directly. But anyone with an interest in regional museums, including the general public, is invited to submit their views.

How can I contribute to the Review? 

Please address the five questions by the end of July, by filling in the consultation form 

Is the Review really independent?

Yes.  The MLA wants a fully objective assessment of the programme. The Chair and the advisory group members guard their independence jealously.

Why is the Review being broken down into three phases?

The MLA has not set up the Review for review's sake, but to produce practical recommendations. Phase 1 will produce interim findings and recommendations to inform the 2009-11 business plans; Phase 2 will produce a fuller report and findings to inform the CSR (Comprehensive Spending Review) 2011 round and Phase 3 will prepare for CSR2011 and reporting on the case for government funding.

Will it make recommendations at the end of each phase and how far reaching are the recommendations likely to be?

Yes – it will make recommendation at the end of each phase and they will be far reaching as the advisory group thinks appropriate based on the evidence it finds.

Will it produce three separate reports and will they all be published?

Yes.

Will the MLA abide by the Review's recommendations?

The MLA will consider the recommendations, and form its own view.  It is very much hoped that the advisory group’s  recommendations, and the MLA's consideration of them, will take Renaissance forward. 

How will the review be taken into account in the creation of a national museum strategy, currently being undertaken by MLA?

Progress with the Review is being followed closely by the MLA's Programme Director Hedley Swain, who is drafting the national strategy, and will be taken into account as the national strategy document is developed.