Museums Current Awareness Service - Bulletin 155
Information about the Museums Current Awareness Service can be found on the Welsh Government website.
WELSH GOVERNMENT
Upcoming courses
Making numbers work for you: museums and statistics - Llandudno Junction, 28 January
Personal resilience for managers - Bedwellty House & Park, 12 February
Collections care: handling and packing of textiles - Cyfarthfa Castle, 11 February
Emergency salvage - University of Wales Trinity St David’s Lampeter, 23 February
Dealing with difficult people - Swansea, 26 February
Lighting workshop - Cyfarthfa Castle, 8 March
Great Weekend of Adventure, 2 and 3 April 2016
As part of Year of Adventure activities, we’d like to invite the whole of the tourism industry in Wales to get together and help create a real buzz in Wales on 2 and 3 April 2016. The Great Weekend of Adventure
is an opportunity just after Easter to inspire visitors and locals to have an adventure in Wales. Focussing on one specific weekend brings the whole industry together and gives a strong message to the media that Wales is most definitely the place to be for
adventures.
How you get involved is down to you. This is your opportunity to use this weekend as a marketing and communications ‘hook’ to heighten awareness of your own activities and to help us secure media coverage for
Wales. Of course, we’d love it if everybody got on board and organised events, offers, adventure packages and special activities for this particular weekend, but you can easily get involved by simply using the #WalesAdventure hashtag on your social media activity.
If you'd like to be part of this weekend and are planning special activities or offers, please contact us now to let us know, so we can get a clear picture of what’s happening to feed through to the media.
Tweet us @visitwalesbiz using hashtag #WalesAdventure
PROMOTING MUSEUMS
Accolades for attractions
New accolades are awarded to attractions that go the extra mile to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for their visitors. The accolades are available to attractions that are part of the Visitor Attractions
Quality Scheme. They are awarded by using a scoring system based on a biennial assessment by Visit Wales. There are four accolades:
- Gold award for the top scoring attractions,
- Hidden Gem,
- Best Told Story,
- Quality Café award.
These accolades reward attractions who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure people enjoy their visit. The accolades reflect the wide variety of attractions on offer in Wales including museums and galleries,
farm attractions, historic houses, theme parks, gardens, churches, country parks, boat trips and action packed activities.
AMGUEDDFA CYMRU - NATIONAL MUSEUM WALES
Wales’ national museums popular destinations for tourists
The number of people visiting Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales’ museums from overseas has grown significantly over the last three years. The number of overseas tourists has increased from 121,000 in 2012
to 152,000 in 2015 based on a six month period, according to a survey by Beaufort Research, conducted between April and September 2015. National Museum Cardiff was the biggest attraction for international tourists, with one in four (25%) of its visitors coming
from overseas. The National Roman Legion Museum was also a popular site, with 20% of its visitors classed as international.
Response by Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales to the Welsh Government's budget announcement
“Like all other public sector institutions, we have not been immune to the effects of austerity. We have been faced with difficult decisions over the last three years due to a reduced operating budget. Our
budget will now be further reduced by £1m (4.7%), which will inevitably have an impact on our services to the public. However, working with the Welsh Government, we will do our best to continue to provide high quality exhibitions, events and activities which
are currently enjoyed by over 1.7 million visitors. Our work with partners and communities also remains a priority. It is well evidenced that culture can have a transformational impact on people’s aspirations and help change lives. We will continue to make
the case to secure the future of Amgueddfa Cymru and safeguard the national collections for the people of Wales.”
COLLECTIONS
Cultural Property Advice
Cultural Property Advice is an on-line advisory service to help you to collect, buy and sell art, antiques and antiquities legitimately and with confidence. It provides an introduction to the management of cultural
property for:
- Public collections including museums, libraries and archives
- Private individuals, who are either collectors or making a one off purchase
- The trade, including dealers and auction houses
Cultural Property Advice provides a reliable, accurate and practical source of information and guidance on cultural property which includes:
- Legal and ethical issues surrounding cultural property
- Understanding and researching provenance
- Procedures for processing claims for the restitution and repatriation of cultural property
- Acquiring, exporting and importing cultural objects
- Communicating with the press and via social media about issues surrounding the restitution and repatriation of cultural property
- Spoliation research and records for UK cultural heritage organisations for objects of unknown provenance for 1933-45.
DOCUMENTATION, DIGITISATION AND ICT
Digitisation: A Simple Guide
Creating digital replicas of collection items has become part of the core work of museums. Whether you’re looking to add images to your collections database, create beautiful online exhibitions or share images
on social media, this Guide provides practical information for museums on creating good images of their collections using a scanner or a digital camera.
If you’re looking to start a digitisation project, refresh your knowledge or help others in your organisation learn about the basics you may find this a useful reference. This concise, easy-to-read guide includes:
- Overviews to planning & prioritisation
- Tips about equipment
- Links to further trusted resources
- A glossary of key terminology
EVENTS
Museum Tech 2016 - Manchester, 21 January
This seminar will celebrate some of the new and emerging digital technologies that are helping to shape the way audiences experience museums and their collections. Through a mixture of case studies, keynotes
and practical demonstrations, Museum Tech 2016 is an opportunity to learn more about how technology can be used in many diverse areas of museum practice. From haptics and 3D printing to virtual reality, augmented reality and much more, the day will explore
the exciting possibilities that digital technology can offer museums. The day will run from 9.45-16.30 (presentations from 10.45) and will include Q&A panels with speakers and a number of demos over the registration and lunch periods.
TRAINING AND CONFERENCES
Digital Past 2016 - Llandudno, 10-11 February
Organised by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, Digital Past is an annual two day conference which showcases innovative digital technologies and techniques for data capture,
interpretation and dissemination of the heritage of Wales, the UK and beyond. Bringing together individuals from the commercial, public, academic, third sector and voluntary sectors, the conference aims to promote learning, discussion and debate around a range
of digital technologies in current use, or in development, to record and understand the historic environment.
2016 Working Internationally Conference - Manchester, 4 March
Working internationally in hard times’ is the 2016 conference theme. It focuses on maximising partnership opportunities for international work in four key areas:
- Knowledge and innovation
- Health and well-being
- International events
- Regional development
In addition, there will be an information session on sources and resources to support international work and a panel discussion exploring how to maintain good cultural relationships while working with international
partners.
Sustainable Tourism: The Role of Interpretation - Cardiff, 8-9 March
Interpret Wales/Dehongli Cymru is delighted to be able to inform you about an exciting event we have coming up next Spring. The conference will explore how interpretation can support sustainable tourism, particularly
through delivering social and economic benefits, including encouraging local participation and engagement, promoting the understanding of local culture and values, supporting local businesses - all through the creation of high quality visitor experiences.
Working Internationally Regional Project Workshop: Working in Europe - Liverpool, 3 February
Part of the Working Internationally Regional Project (WIRP), this one-day workshop is for regional and local museums and galleries who are working with museums, galleries and organisations in mainland Europe,
or interested in doing so. The aim of the workshop is to enhance the confidence and skills of participants, and provide information and practical advice on how to develop projects with partners in mainland Europe. Relevant case studies will be presented alongside
information on European funding streams, and participants will have an opportunity to network with colleagues from across the UK who are interested in working in mainland Europe.
The Impact of Sporting Heritage: Sport in Museums Network Conference 2016 - Nottingham, 11 February
This event aims to raise the understanding of the sporting heritage activity which has taken place in the UK and beyond which demonstrates its impact. The impact may be connected to increasing visitors, changing
visitor experiences, developing collections knowledge, or to wider agendas such as education, health, and tourism. The event aims to offer opportunities to debate, discuss and share to support future activity in the field.
Call for Papers - Objectively Speaking - the value and practice of object based teaching
British Museum, London - 4 April 2016
Objects can act as a gateway to learning, by developing skills of observation and questioning, as well as by making complex ideas relatable and enabling emotional connections. But what ‘added value’ does object
based learning bring? What are the current approaches, and how is it being evidenced? How and why should Museums place objects at the centre of their teaching offer? How can they achieve and enable learning both within and outside the walls of the museum, and
within schools and centres for Higher Education.
With the generous support of the Vivmar Foundation, the Objectively Speaking conference will recognise the expertise and experience of museum professionals and educators across the UK and will seek to open up
the debate on object based teaching by providing a platform to share best practice and explore shared challenges.
The following themes have been identified to explore in proposals
1. How can museums connect collections with classroom and academic teaching?
2. How can objects facilitate creative teaching practice?
3. What is the impact and opportunity of digital technology for object based teaching?
Deadline for proposals is midday Friday 15 January 2016. Please send proposals to Katy Swift, National Programmes Coordinator, [log in to unmask]
ACCESS, LIFELONG LEARNING AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
GEM Cymru training event Museums and Maths: using the Literacy and Numeracy Framework - Swansea, 25 February
Join us to explore how museums can support the delivery of Maths in the Literacy and Numeracy Framework. Education and museum learning professionals will deliver a range of talks and workshops designed to enable
you to:
- Gain an understanding of the LNF from a PGCE provider
- find out more about how the LNF is being delivered in the classroom
- learn from other museum professionals who have developed materials to support the LNF
- develop your own resources to support the delivery of the LNF
To book a place and find out how to pay contact Alun Jones on 02920 573149 or email [log in to unmask]
FUNDING AND AWARDS
Prehistoric Society Collections Study Award
As of February 2016, The Prehistoric Society is offering a new award of up to £3000 for the study of a specified area of a museum’s archaeological collections and/or archives relating specifically to human prehistory.
The award will be available to partnerships between a museum and a named early-stage researcher (post-graduate, post-doctorate or equivalent experience) and both parties will be eligible for a contribution to the costs incurred. Third-party (‘external’) costs
will also be eligible where essential to the successful outcome of the project. The Society’s Awards Committee will award grants to one or more projects each year (the combined amount not exceeding a total of £3000) according to its judgement on best overall
value for money. Closing date for applications: 31st January of each year.
CHARITIES AND VOLUNTEERS
Department of Work and Pensions and WCVA collaborate to produce a new Guide to Volunteering
WCVA has been working over the past 12 months with staff of the Department for Work and Pensions in North Wales, to see how we can build on the working relationships that exist between local Job Centres and
Volunteer Centres, and to develop understanding generally of how volunteering can assist the development and progression of people who are seeking work.
DWP, together with WCVA and Volunteer Centres has developed a Guide to Volunteering which is aimed at people who are claiming welfare benefits. It highlights the advantages of volunteering and provides practical
information including guidance on volunteering whilst in receipt of different specific benefits. It answers the most common questions, including how to go about finding the most suitable volunteering opportunity and how your Volunteer Centre and your Work Coach
can help.
Increasing Volunteer Diversity at National Museum of Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales has increased the number of volunteers and their diversity across the organisation over the last 3 years. It has done this by redesigning the whole volunteer programme
to be based more on the needs of communities and volunteers rather than the museum. This has been accomplished by working with 10 community partners from third and public sector organisations who have shared their knowledge and skills in various aspects of
volunteering and the communities they represent.
Measuring ‘distance travelled’ by volunteers
WCVA and Disability Sport Wales are working together on developing a methodology to enable volunteers to recognise and articulate skills and competencies gained in relation to enhancing employability. If you
have any methods of recognition and documenting competencies in relation to volunteers that are involved with events that you'd be happy to share with us or if you'd like to hear more about what we develop as part of the project then please do get in touch.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
The art of partnering
The art of partnering is the final report of a Cultural Enquiry in collaboration with the BBC, which explored the role partnership plays in enabling publicly funded cultural institutions to enhance the quality
and diversity of their work across the UK. The report was published on 13 October 2015. This was the third Cultural Enquiry from King’s and a major new initiative at a time when partnership is embedding as a way of working across the cultural sector.
RESOURCES
Terminology for museums, archives and libraries
The aim of this terminology is to record specialist terms in use among Welsh speaking professionals in museums, archives and libraries. If you have any suggestions for additional terms, please e-mail [log in to unmask]
Elizabeth Bennett & Carol Whittaker
Current Awareness Service
Inclusion of third party information in the Museums Current Awareness Service does not constitute an endorsement by the Welsh Government. It takes no responsibility for the quality of third party events, products
or services featured in this Newsletter. Whilst every care is taken to provide accurate information, neither the Welsh Government nor the editor undertakes any liability for any error or omission.
If you know anyone who would like to be added to the circulation list, or would like a ‘hard copy’ of the main mailing, or if you don’t have access to the internet and need prints from the sites listed - please
contact Carol Whittaker. People who currently receive hard copies will continue to do so.
Welsh and English versions of the bulletin will remain separate in response to requests from readers.
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Elizabeth Bennett
Is-adran Amgueddfeydd Archifau a Llyfrgelloedd - Museums Archives and Libraries Division
Adran yr Economi, Gwyddoniaeth a Thrafnidiaeth - Department for Economy, Science and Transport
Llywodraeth Cymru - Welsh Government
Rhodfa Padarn,
Aberystwyth,
Ceredigion,
SY23 3UR.
Ffon/Tel: 0300 062 2101
Fax/Ffacs: 0300 062 2052
