SMC e-bulletin

SMC Monthly e-bulletin February 2006

SMC has welcomed the statement on the future delivery of Culture in Scotland made by Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Patricia Ferguson in the Scottish Parliament on 19 January. SMC Director Joanne Orr said: �We welcome the endorsement of the �arms length� approach and look forward to working with Creative Scotland and the Scottish Executive to achieve the vision set out in the report.� The Minister announced new funding of �500,000 towards the development of the Significance Scheme for non-national museums and SMC is expected to be entering into further discussions with the Scottish Executive to finalise plans for this initiative.

'Let us entertain you' is the aim behind Show Scotland's proposed late opening night. It�s all about �Making a noise�. Museums and galleries across Scotland are being asked to open their venues late on the night of 28 April to attract new audiences and to plan events such as music performances, dance, readings, DJ sessions etc. All museums and galleries 'staying up' late will be detailed on the Show Scotland website and promoted through our PR campaign. If you haven�t already done so, please let us know of your intention to co-ordinate an event on the evening.
Recently, MGM issued MGM registration forms which have a tick-box describing Show Scotland 06 as a theme of MGM. Please ignore these MGM Event Registration forms. Show Scotland will liaise with MGM on your behalf. The Show Scotland website www.showscotland.com will be going live at the end of February and we will link our site to other sites such as MGM and 24 Hour Museum. Once the Show Scotland site goes live, you will be able to enter any additional events online.
Don't miss the deadline for Show Scotland event grant applications on 9 February. Packs are available on the SMC website at http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/news/2006/showscotland.asp
To receive the Show Scotland e-bulletin or seek advice, contact SMC Communications Officer Clare Dickinson.  T: 0131 476 8463.  E: [email protected]

The first issue of SMC�s new quarterly magazine MGQ (Museums and Galleries Quarterly) has been published and distributed. Much of this first edition follows the themes discussed at our AGM last November as well as a representative sample of some of the projects, initiatives, grants and events in which SMC is and has been involved. If you haven�t received a copy in the post and would like to be included on the mailing list, please contact SMC Communications Officer Sarah Burry-Hayes. 
T: 0131 476 8465.  E: [email protected]
The text of the articles and a pdf of each issue will be posted on the SMC website.

SMC is commissioning a consultant to undertake an initial evaluation of the RDCF programme. Details of this will be available on the SMC website and circulated to RDCF project leaders. For further information or for any queries about the RDCF projects, contact SMC Regional Development Manager Jane McKinlay.  T: 0131 476 8472. 
E: [email protected]

The next meeting of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel (SAFAP) will be on 20 March. The deadline for all bids is 24 February.
The following cases have been claimed by the Crown. Registered museums interested in bidding should request case details from the Treasure Trove Administrator.
TT.71/05 Multi-period excavation assemblage, Holyrood Parliament Site, Edinburgh.
TT.72/05 Multi-period excavation assemblage, various sites, Isle of May, Fife.
TT.73/05 Neolithic excavation assemblage, Ness of Brodgar, Orkney Islands.
TT.74/05 Multi-period excavation assemblage, Maybury Park, S Gyle, Edinburgh.
TT.75/05 Bronze Age excavation assemblage, Mill Rd Industrial Estate, Linlithgow, West Lothian.
TT.76/05 Modern excavation assemblage, East Boonraw Farm, Hawick, Scottish Borders.
TT.77/05 Modern excavation assemblage, Holms Main Farm, Inverness, Highland.
TT.78/05 Post-medieval excavation assemblage, Lochotes, Torphichen, West Lothian.
TT.79/05 Medieval excavation assemblage, Castle Hill, Banff, Aberdeenshire.
TT.80/05 Medieval excavation assemblage, 131 Market St, St Andrews, Fife.
TT.81/05 Bronze Age excavation assemblage, Straiton Quarry, Wormit, Fife.
TT.82/05 Prehistoric excavation assemblage, Viridor Waste Facility, Easter Pinkerton, East Lothian.
TT.83/05 Prehistoric rotary quernstone, Covington Mill Farm, Thankerton, South Lanarkshire.
TT.84/05 Modern excavation assemblage, Lancefield Quay, Finnieston, Glasgow.
TT.85/05 Post-medieval excavation assemblage, High Parks Farm, Cleghorn, South Lanarkshire.
TT.86/05 Medieval and Post-medieval excavation assemblage, 14-16 St Margaret�s Street, Dunfermline, Fife.
TT.87/05 Early Bronze Age excavation assemblage, St Fergus-Aberdeen Gas Pipeline, Aberdeenshire.
TT.88/05 Mesolithic/Neolithic excavation assemblage, Wardens� Dykes, Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway.
TT.89/05 MBA bronze chisel, Hawick, Scottish Borders.
Treasure Trove, National Museums of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF.
T: 0131 247 4082/4355.  E: [email protected]
W: www.treasuretrovescotland.co.uk

Temporary export bars have been placed on a Naval Gold Medal and a silver presentation cup and cover, known as the Shannon cup. Both were awarded to Captain Philip Bowes Vere Broke in recognition of his exemplary performance in the battle between HMS Shannon, which he commanded, and USS Chesapeake in 1813.
The decision on the export licence applications is deferred until 19 March and in each case this may be extended until 19 June if an intention to raise funds with a view to making an offer to purchase the Naval Gold Medal at the recommended price of �232,000 and/or the presentation cup, recommended price of �84,000, is expressed.
A bar has also been placed on a medieval figure of a bronze equestrian knight, the decision deferred until 5 April, but this may be extended until 5 July. The recommended price is �34,000.
The Secretary, The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, Victoria House, Southampton Row, London WC1B 4EA.

The HLF consultation on its next Strategic Plan closes at the end of February �
see http://www.hlf.org.uk/future/yoursay.aspx
At the same time, the Government is asking for views on future shares of Lottery funding for heritage - see http://www.lottery2009.culture.gov.uk/

HLF is inviting heritage institutions to apply for funding for projects focusing on the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, to be commemorated next year. A guide called Remembering Slavery in 2007 is available to give advice on project ideas, examples of possible projects and details on how to make a successful funding application � see http://www.hlf.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/4F82B0AC-E070-4071-B03B-1C4410DBA817/0/HLFSLAVERYforWEB.pdf
To help shape a seminar which will focus on developing projects that explore the impact of the slave trade on our national heritage, there is a questionnaire which will allow you to have a say - see the HLF website at www.hlf.org.uk/the2007question  The closing date for responses is 28 February.

This initiative provides funding for arts projects that:

• engage with biomedical science
• encourage debate about issues raised by scientific developments
• interact imaginatively with children or young people (up to 22 years old).

The deadline for applications is 24 March.
Pulse, Wellcome Trust, Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE.
T: 020 7611 8222.  E: [email protected]  W: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/pulse

GRANTnet is a free-to-use funding search site, provided by the grants database GRANTfinder. The site contains an up-to-date, location-specific database of grants, loans and other initiatives operating across the UK. See the site http://www.grantnet.com

As part of a project to catalogue and digitise their photographic collections, many of which were created by small-scale Scottish photographic businesses, South Lanarkshire Council Museums are building up a copyright register to record the copyright status of all works in the collections. Justin Parkes, Museum Officer, would like to hear from anyone who holds a copyright register for their photographic collection, or anyone who is currently undertaking a similar project and would like to pool resources over copyright.
T: 01698 452168.  E: [email protected]
This project is supported by SMC and HLF.

Following the launch of SPECTRUM Terminology in December, MDA is asking heritage practitioners to submit information on the terminologies they use in their daily work for inclusion in the Terminology Bank section of SPECTRUM Terminology, to act as a resource for other practitioners. To submit a terminology, visit
http://www.mda.org.uk/spectrum-terminology/subform.htm

Applications are invited for the 2006/7 Fellowships, designed to help develop the knowledge, skills, networks and experience of potential leaders across a wide range of cultural activities.  T: 020 7420 9430.  E: [email protected] 
W: http://www.cloreleadership.org/guidelines.htm
The closing date for applications is 21 February.

The Association of Independent Museums has announced a Sustainability Grant Scheme, funded by the Esm�e Fairbairn Foundation, to help small and medium-sized AIM member museums to improve their financial sustainability. To be eligible for a grant, members must have an annual turnover of less than �300,000 or less than 60,000 visitors per year and must be Registered/Accredited or working towards that status.
Grants will normally be for between �3,000 � �5,000. Partnership funding of 10% will normally be required. Full members of SMC could match SMC grants with funding from this Scheme. Initial funding for the Scheme will last for three years.
The deadlines for applications are 1 June and 20 December.
It is expected that applicants may require some assistance in identifying and quantifying their needs and so self-audit workshops are being held for AIM members to establish where they are falling short and where a Sustainability grant could assist. The Scottish workshop is being held in Edinburgh on 30 March and is open to all independent museums, free of charge for AIM members and �30 for non-members (this includes a year�s membership of AIM).
Contact AIM Administrator Roger Hornshaw, 75 Western Way, Gosport PO12 2NF. 
T: 02392 587751.  E: [email protected]

SCVO Courses
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations runs training courses covering a broad range of topics from IT to organisational governance, from personal development to capacity building to meet the training requirements of the sector, including subjects such as Finance for Non-Financial Managers; Introduction to Strategic Planning; Foundation in Fundraising; Effective Governance; and Charity Changes. For details, see the website
http://www.scvo.org.uk/scvo/SCVOEvents/SCVOTrainingByMonthHome.aspx

Behind the Scenes Visits
21 February, Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange
6 March, Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther
Free of charge for Regional Development Challenge Fund project partners, a nominal fee may be charged for non-partner organisations
Informal chances to explore the workings of other museums, view how others have implemented changes in practice and get to know fellow heritage workers.
Themes for the day at the Scottish Mining Museum will include Visitor Services, Marketing and Education.
Themes at the Scottish Fisheries Museum will include Working with Volunteers and Increasing Access.
Regional Museums Training Development Project, Office 6, Memorial Hall,
Leithen Road, Innerleithen EH44 6HX.  T: 01896 833837. 
E: [email protected]

MDA Documentation Planning
23 February, Perth
�35 for SMC members� volunteers, �50 for SMC / ASVA members,
�70 for non-members
This course will expand on basic principles of museum documentation, with particular reference to museum backlogs. Participants will examine the need for sound documentation planning to eliminate backlogs and discuss the application of project management methodologies.
Training, SMC, 20-22 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh EH3 8JB.  T: 0131 476 8453. 
E: [email protected] 
W: http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/members_services/training/training_booking.asp

Making the Most of Your Board
2 � 3 March, Stirling
�210, �150 for organisations in receipt of SAC funding
This is a 24-hour residential course for those who work directly to Boards of Trustees or Directors. It will explore ways of improving the performance and contribution of your board and make the relationship more effective and productive.
Monica Jamieson, Arts & Business Scotland.  T: 0131 220 2499. 
E: [email protected]

Writing Effectively for Your Visitors
8 March, Stirling
�35 for SMC members� volunteers, �85 for SMC / ASVA members,
�107 for non-members
A chance to practise various writing techniques and explore methods for generating and organising ideas.
Training, SMC, 20-22 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh EH3 8JB.  T: 0131 476 8453. 
E: [email protected] 
W: http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/members_services/training/training_booking.asp

Working with Schools
8 March, Edinburgh
�45 for engage members
This Making Connections seminar will focus on the contribution that galleries can make to learning in formal education.
Emma Prout, engage, Basement, 108 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RA. 
T: 020 7244 0110.  E: [email protected]  W www.engage.org

The School Curriculum: Developments and New Avenues
9 March, Glasgow
�25 for GEM / SMC members, �35 for non-members
This Grass Roots event will look at the school curriculum, offering imaginative ways to link with the curriculum and ideas on how to extend to new school audiences. Those attending will also have the opportunity to participate in a curriculum-based workshop led by Glasgow Museums entitled Bigot Busters which ties in with anti-sectarian and citizenship curricular requirements.
Susan Galloway, Grass Roots Project, 3 Westhall Court, Dundee DD4 8XH. 
T: 01382 523 635.  E: [email protected] 
W: www.gem.org.uk and www.scottishmuseums.org.uk

Pre-School and Family Learning
21 March, Glasgow
�35 for SMC members� volunteers, �85 for SMC / ASVA members,
�107 for non-members
This course will help you to understand how pre-school children and families learn, explore learning through play, look at case studies and facilitate forward planning.
Training, SMC, 20-22 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh EH3 8JB.  T: 0131 476 8453. 
E: [email protected] 
W: http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/members_services/training/training_booking.asp

Ancestral Tourism
22 March, Inverness / 24 March, Glasgow
�40
To help enhance the level of customer service that museums staff can provide to potential ancestral tourists, SMC has joined forces with the Ancestral Tourism Initiative and Tourist Board Training to develop a course for staff in the museums sector.
Training, SMC, 20-22 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh EH3 8JB.  T: 0131 476 8453. 
E: [email protected] 
W: http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/members_services/training/training_booking.asp

Board Member Development
24 �25 March, Stirling
�210, �150 for organisations in receipt of SAC funding
For board members who wish to develop their skills and knowledge to help improve their contribution and their board�s effectiveness.
Monica Jamieson, Arts & Business Scotland.  T: 0131 220 2499. 
E: [email protected]

Scottish Railway Collections Conference
25 and 26 March, Bo�ness
Free of charge for representatives of Scottish museums, members of SRPS and HRA
Part-funded by SMC as a Strategic Change Fund project and organised by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, the Heritage Railway Association and Falkirk Council Museums, this conference will examine the needs of railway collections in Scotland.
Jane Freel, Scottish Railway Preservation Society, 17/19 North Street, Bo�ness
EH51 0AQ.  E: [email protected]

European Cultural Co-operation. Cultur�uro Seminars
28 March, Aberdeen / 6 April, Edinburgh
�75
Current and future EU funding opportunities and ways in which cultural organisations can build partnerships, access other European sources of funding and deal with the challenges of EU rules and regulations.
EUCLID.  T: 07000 382543.  E:  [email protected]  W: www.euclid.info/uk/seminars