Dear all

DCMS press release for information.  Apologies for cross postings.

Louise


DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

DCMS 7/99                                            13 January 1999

                           THE 24 HOUR MUSEUM
                  CHRIS SMITH ANNOUNCES EXTRA FUNDING 
             FOR NEW SCHEME TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO MUSEUMS

Additional funding of #60,000 for The 24 Hour Museum, a multimedia
project developed by the Campaign for Museums and the mda, was
announced today by Culture Secretary Chris Smith.

Speaking today on the mda stand at the British Educational Technology
(BETT) Show at Olympia, Mr Smith said:

"In April 1998 I announced that we would be providing #10,000 to
support development of The 24 Hour Museum. I am delighted to announce
that we are now providing an additional #60,000 to support the
project. The 24 Hour Museum promises to be not only an easy and
entertaining museum gateway to the Internet for the public, but also
an innovative educational resource linked to the National Grid for
Learning.

"The success of the National Grid for Learning depends on having high
quality educational content, and our museums and galleries will play
an important part in the provision of rich multimedia learning
experiences. Museums and galleries are to be applauded for rising to
the challenge presented by the Government's decision to create the
National Grid for Learning."

Loyd Grossman, Chairman of the Campaign for Museums, added:

"I look forward to the The 24 Hour Museum going live during Museums
Week in May 1999, when it will provide a gazetteer of all UK museums
and galleries, a magazine, search facilities and activity based
resources. Eventually The 24 Hour Museum will link to on-line museum
databases providing a virtual encyclopaedia of knowledge."

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. On 20 April 1998 Chris Smith announced that round-the-clock access
to UK museums through Information Technology would be provided by The
24 Hour Museum. He also announced that the Government would provide
#10,000, through the Museums and Galleries Commission, to support
development work on the scheme. For further details please see DCMS
Press Notice 83/98.

2. The British Educational Technology Show is the largest and most
comprehensive technology showcase in Europe, with nearly 400
exhibitors offering access and demonstrations. The show is taking
place from 13-16 January.

3. The Campaign for Museums aims to raise the profile of museums and
galleries. It organises the annual Museums Week in May. The Chairman
of the Campaign for Museums, Loyd Grossman, was asked by DCMS in May
1998 to develop an interactive gateway to museums in the UK. Further
information is available from The Campaign for Museums, Tel. 0171-233
9796. E-mail: [log in to unmask] Internet:
http://www.museumsweek.co.uk

4. The mda is a national publicly funded body dedicated to supporting
the information management needs of museums, galleries and heritage
organisations. They are hosting a stand (G56) at BETT 1999 to
demonstrate digitised educational resources from the cultural sector.
Further information from Louise Smith, Director of mda, Tel. 01223
315760, E-mail: [log in to unmask] Internet. http://www.mda.org.uk







# = pounds sterling



Louise Smith
Director
mda




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