Protecting cultural objects

Designated collection at Discovery Museum

Protecting cultural objects

MLA operates the Government Indemnity Scheme and also provides information on Immunity from Seizure.

Government Indemnity Scheme

The Government Indemnity Scheme offers an alternative to the cost of commercial insurance and is available to museums, galleries and libraries within the UK when borrowing works of art and objects for exhibitions and for long-term loan. It provides the public with access to world class exhibitions and objects which might otherwise not be available.

Immunity from Seizure

Part 6 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcements Act 2007 provides immunity from seizure for cultural objects which are loaned from overseas to temporary public exhibitions in approved museums or galleries in the UK where conditions are met when the object enters the UK.

Government Indemnity Scheme

The GIS allows the public access to objects within the UK which might not otherwise be available, by providing borrowers with an

Immunity from seizure

Immunity from seizure for cultural objects which are loaned from overseas to temporary public exhibitions in the UK

Responsibilities transfer

From 1st October 2011, this site will not be updated, so please treat it as the static archive it is. This is because <a target="_Blank" href="http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/">Arts Council England</a> has now taken over museums and libraries responsibilities. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/">The National Archives</a> has assumed responsibility for strategic leadership of the Archives sector. Arts Council responsibilities will also now include the Renaissance programme, Museum Accreditation, and Library Development, together with cultural property services such as Export Licensing and the Acceptance in Lieu scheme. The National Archives has assumed responsibility for providing strategic leadership to the archives sector and advising government on its development. The MLA is now winding down, with a skeleton staff remaining until May 2012 to complete the management of existing Renaissance contracts, complete outstanding financial and contractual arrangements and prepare for the appointment of a liquidator. This website will remain live until 31st March so that the public still has full access to the material on it – good practice case studies, toolkits, guidance and a range of other publications. Continue reading