SMC e-bulletin

SMC Monthly e-bulletin April 2006

A �Singles Night� at the National Gallery of Scotland, a �Muckle Supper� at Corrigall Farm Museum, a folk night at the Scottish Mining Museum, and a �Spaced Out� weekend at Paisley Museum � these are just some of the many events taking place as part of the Show Scotland weekend. See the website www.showscotland.com for details.
There is still time to register your Show Scotland creative event if you haven�t already done so � just follow the instructions online.
If you have any queries, contact Clare Dickinson at SMC.  T: 0131 476 8463. 
E: [email protected]

SMC is moving office. From 29 May, we will be relocating within Edinburgh, to McDonald Road. The new postal address and telephone numbers will be circulated next month.

Museum Development Manager Emma Inglis is back after maternity leave.
Rhona Hamilton has joined us as Learning and Access Adviser maternity leave cover.

In January 2006, SMC offered members the opportunity to apply for one-off grants under the SPI Introductory Support Scheme. Grants of up to �2,000 were aimed at assisting members with the purchase of equipment and services that would help them comply with the reporting requirements of the new museum services statutory performance indicator (SPI). There was a strong response, with eleven organisations making successful applications. The majority of awards were made towards the purchase of simple body counters, to measure numbers of visitors entering or leaving a museum or gallery. However, others took the opportunity to build upon their previous experience of using simple count systems by purchasing more advanced CCTV technology or proximity sensors. This technology, which not only records how many people visit a museum but also shows where their time is spent during that visit, can help develop a more sophisticated understanding of visitors and how they respond within a given museum or gallery space. Other members wishing to make similar purchases are welcome to continue to apply for assistance under the terms of our normal small grants scheme (see http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/areas_of_work/grants/small_grants.asp )

Accreditation News
Congratulations to Glasgow City Council for achieving Full Accreditation at the MLA Accreditation panel in March for the following museums: The Burrell Collection, Provand�s Lordship, The People�s Palace, Museum of Transport, Scotland Street School Museum, St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, The Gallery of Modern Art, and Glasgow Museums Resource Centre.

Registered Museum? � The Return of the Registration Returns
All Registered museums will be invited to apply for Accreditation in batches over the next three and a half years and your museum will need to meet the new standard if you wish to remain a part of the MLA scheme. Whilst waiting to be invited for Accreditation, all Registered Museums will be required to submit a Registration Return every two years. There were no returns in 2005 so the Registration Returns will be sent to all Registered museums in May this year. The only exception will be those who have been invited or are due to be invited to apply for Accreditation in 2006.

If you have any queries about Accreditation, please contact SMC Accreditation Managers Susie Hillhouse or Fiona McDougall. T: 0131 476 8467.
E: [email protected] or [email protected]

Scotland and Medicine Project
Siobhan McConnachie has been appointed as the new Scotland and Medicine Partnership Manager. Welcome to Siobhan.
Work on the touring exhibition is progressing well. Planned to be the largest touring exhibition in Scotland, it will open at the City Arts Centre in Edinburgh in May.

Regional Museums Training Development Project
The project website has been launched - www.trainingmages.org - well worth a look.

North East Museums Partnership
Plans are in hand to recruit three new posts for each of the partners, City of Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and the University of Aberdeen so that the project can deliver its exciting plans to develop and pilot models of cultural entitlement in the north east of Scotland.

If you have any queries about the Fund or the projects, contact Regional Development Manager Jane McKinlay.  T: 0131 476 8472.  E: [email protected]

The National ICT Strategy for Scotland's Museums recognises the fact that museums need to have access to clear and practical introductory guidance on technical standards. To help achieve this, SMC has produced some guidance designed to provide museums with good practice recommendations on technical aspects of ICT - download from http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/areas_of_work/ICT/tech_guidelines.asp
If you have any questions about the guidance or would like to find out more about the issues raised, please get in touch with SMC ICT Adviser Dylan Edgar. 
T: 0131 476 8457.  E: at [email protected]

The next meeting of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel will be on
21 June. The deadline for bids is 2 June.
The following cases have been claimed by the Crown. Registered museums interested in bidding should request case details from the Administrator.
TT.103/05  Roman trumpet brooch, Dunfermline, Fife.
TT.104/05  Roman/later finds, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway.
TT.105/05  Collection of prehistoric/later finds, Leuchars, Fife.
TT.106/05  Roman pottery jar, Edinburgh.
TT.107/05  LBA harness fitting, Dufftown, Moray.
TT.108/05  Six medieval/later finds, Rattray, Aberdeenshire.
TT.109/05  Three Roman finds, Meigle, Perth & Kinross.
TT.110/05  17thC bronze cauldron, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders.
TT.1/06  Neolithic stone axehead, Larbert, Falkirk.
TT.2/06  Medieval gold brooch, Carriden, Falkirk.
TT.3/06  Neolithic stone axehead, Auchtermuchty, Fife.
Jenny Shiels, Treasure Trove, National Museums of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF.  T: 0131 247 4082.  E: [email protected] 
W: www.treasuretrovescotland.co.uk

Awards

• Aberdeen City Council�s Arts Development Team has been awarded an HLF grant of �13,500 to support young Muslim residents of Aberdeen examine the Islamic collections held in the Marischal Museum and work with staff at Aberdeen Maritime Museum to gain an understanding of the history of migration to North East Scotland. The research findings will form part of an exhibition, to be shown alongside original artefacts held in the Marischal Museum collections.
• Age Concern Scotland has been awarded �25,100 for an oral history project exploring the lives of working women in Annandale and Eskdale since 1945. The resulting archive will be made available via the web and an exhibition will be held at Annan Museum before going on tour around the region.
• tirling Council has been awarded �22,900 towards the costs of a youth-led oral history project examining the industrial heritage of three east Stirlingshire villages. The young people will work with Polmaise Mining Museum and the Scottish Mining Museum at Newtongrange to research the history of the mining industry. They will also take part in the restoration of mining machinery, produce interpretation boards, create a piece of artwork depicting their interpretation of mining culture, and will produce a short film to tell the story of the local mining industry.

HLF Surgeries
20 April, Glasgow / 26 April, Edinburgh
Surgery appointments can be used to discuss heritage projects at all stages of development and to get advice on applying for HLF funding. To book a time slot, contact Siobhan Dougherty. HLF Scotland Office, 28 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN. 
T: 0131 225 9450.  E: [email protected]

The Scottish Executive's New Arts Sponsorship Awards will effectively double any funding from new sponsors at a minimum of �1,000 (in cash or kind) up to a maximum of �50,000 for each project. Up to �800,000, over the next two years, has been set aside to match any first-time sponsorship from private businesses backing the arts in Scotland.
The scheme, which will be funded through the Scottish Arts Council, will be managed by Arts & Business Scotland. Applications should be made direct to Arts & Business Scotland - guidelines and application forms can be downloaded from the website www.AandB.org.uk/Scotland

The Guardian newspaper is again running this award. Nominations for museums that are particularly welcoming to families are invited.  E: [email protected]  by 1 May.

The day provides an opportunity for museums and galleries to hold art-based activities for young people, have free national publicity for the events and attract new audiences. For information or to register your events, telephone 020 7244 0110 or see the web at http://www.engage.org/projects/artworks_orgs.aspx

The scheme offers 30 awards of �2,000 plus one year's free broadband in support of innovative internet projects in the voluntary sector. For details, telephone 0207 348 8390 or see the website www.aol.co.uk/about/community/innovation  Deadline 10 May.

Applications are invited for the 2006 June Baker Trust awards. The June Baker Trust supports conservators in Scotland, or those training with the intention of working in Scotland. Grants are principally directed towards supporting continuing professional development (by for example attending conferences and short courses, or taking part in work placements and secondments) and for purchasing workshop equipment. The usual award is in the region of �100 - �300. The closing date for applications is 31 May. Application forms are available from Priscilla Ramsey, Chairman, June Baker Trust, Goose Croft House, Kintore, Aberdeenshire AB51 0US.

The Kathy Callow Trust provides awards to small museums for the conservation of social history artefacts and evidence.
The Daphne Bullard Trust promotes the conservation of dress and textiles and their display.
Applications are reviewed as they are received � there is no cut-off date.
Contact Pamela Poynter, Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW. 
T: 020 7426 6914.  E: [email protected]

A group of museums of dentists, optometrists, pharmacists and physicians is considering organising a touring exhibition with the provisional title of �Trust me I�m a doctor�.dentist, optometrist, pharmacist�, focusing on the development from early unqualified practitioners to today�s qualified professionals. The exhibition is planned to consist of around ten graphic panels, including one designed to have local information added in. Posters may also be available to be overprinted for each hiring venue, and master copies of information and/or activity sheets to accompany the main panels. As part of the feasibility study to ensure sufficient demand, Briony Hudson, Keeper of Museum Collections at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, has a short set of questions for interested museums and is keen to hear your views.
T: 020 7572 2211. E: [email protected]

Promote your applied arts collection or exhibitions on www.craftscotland.org, an international showcase for Scottish craft with a searchable online directory of craft makers, retailers, galleries and museums. You can add your venue, contact details and an image to the directory free of charge. craftscotland also includes information about crafts news and events - send news releases about forthcoming exhibitions or craft opportunities to craftscotland, 91 Hanover Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ. 
T: 0131 718 4346.  E: [email protected]  W: www.craftscotland.org

Curating Contexts
26 April, Glasgow
�20 for VAGA members, �40 for non-members
Organised by VAGA, the Visual Art and Galleries Association, the focus will be collecting, exploring different approaches to acquiring contemporary artwork for public collections.
A limited number of bursaries are available for curators from Scotland. If you wish to apply for financial assistance to attend, please contact Ben Spencer by 14 April.
Ben Spencer, Policy and Development, VAGA Scotland, c/o 26 Queen Square, Glasgow G41 2AZ.  T: 0141 423 9024.  E: [email protected]

The Generation Game: Museums and Older People
28 April, London
�100 for MA members, �175 for non-members
What audience development work museums can do to attract the growing population of more active and affluent over 50s.
Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW.  T: 020 7426 6940. 
E: [email protected]  W: http://www.museumsassociation.org/12167

MDA Documentation Essentials
2 May, Edinburgh
�35 for SMC members� volunteers, �50 for SMC / ASVA members,
�70 for non-members
The basic principles of museum documentation. Topics include SPECTRUM, the Accreditation Scheme, object entry, accessioning, marking and labelling, cataloguing, location and movement control, exit and loan.
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

Oral History Projects � A How To Guide
3 May, Dundee
Free of charge for Regional Development Challenge Fund project partners, nominal fee for non-partner organisations.
How to carry out an oral history project: selecting interviewees; interview techniques; equipment; ethics; legislation; and how to make the oral history accessible.
Tayside Museums Learning and Access Partnership, Burgh Yard, Forfar DD8 3JA. 
T: 01307 475372  E: [email protected]

What Does Renaissance Do For Us? AIM Annual Conference
4-5 May, Bristol
�50 for AIM members, �85 for non-members.
The Renaissance in the Regions programme and its impact on smaller and medium-sized independent museums.
Association of Independent Museums, 75 Western Way, Gosport PO12 2NF.
T: 02392 587751.  E: [email protected]

Essentials: Funding
9 May, Bristol
�50 for MA members, �75 for non-members
Develop your ability to make successful applications to grant-making bodies and charitable trusts and foundations.
Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW.  T: 020 7426 6940. 
E: [email protected]  W: http://www.museumsassociation.org/12170

Essentials: Managing Volunteers
9 May, Bristol / 16 May, Leeds
�50 for MA members, �75 for non-members
Best practice in the recruitment, management, protection, support and development of volunteers.
Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW.  T: 020 7426 6940.
E: [email protected]  W: http://www.museumsassociation.org/12171

HLF Applications. Planning for Archive Projects
9, 10 and 12 May, London.
�30
The National Council on Archives and the Heritage Lottery Fund are running half-day sessions to help UK archives or other organisations developing archive projects which are intending to submit applications to the HLF �Heritage Grants� programme (grants of �50k and over).
Louise Ray, Archive Lottery Adviser, National Council on Archives, c/o The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond Surrey TW9 4DU.  T: 020 8392 5347. 
E: [email protected]
W: http://www.ncaonline.org.uk/archive_lottery_service/planning_training/

Storytelling in Museums
16 May, Glasgow
�35 for SMC members� volunteers, �85 for SMC / ASVA members,
�110 for non-members
Develop confidence in oral storytelling and consider ways in which storytelling can be applied in the museum setting to inspire interest in artefacts. The workshop will also involve thinking about ways of working with different age groups, labelling and displays and activities that can accompany storytelling sessions.
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

Essentials: Marketing
16 May, Leeds
�50 for MA members, �75 for non-members
Develop a marketing strategy relevant to the size, nature, context and aims of your museum.
Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW.  T: 020 7426 6940. 
E: [email protected]  W: http://www.museumsassociation.org/12172

Behind the Scenes Visits
18 May, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh
2 June, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
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 Royal Scottish Academy will include picture handling and maintenance of picture collections.
Themes at the National Museum of Scotland will include science and technology in connection with the new Connect Gallery.
Regional Museums Training Development Project, Office 6, Memorial Hall,
Leithen Road, Innerleithen EH44 6HX.  T: 01896 833837. 
E: [email protected]  W: www.trainingmages.org

The Use of Art as Evidence for Social History
19 May, Cork
For details of this seminar being run by the Society for Folklife Studies in conjunction with the Regional Furniture Society, contact Roy Brigden, Museum of English Rural Life.  E: [email protected]

Collections Care (Textiles)
23 May, East of Scotland, venue to be confirmed
Free of charge for Regional Development Challenge Fund project partners, a nominal fee may be charged for non-partner organisations
Tuula Pardoe from the Scottish Conservation Studio will lead this workshop in caring for textile collections. Please note spaces are limited.
Regional Museums Training Development Project, Office 6, Memorial Hall,
Leithen Road, Innerleithen EH44 6HX.  T: 01896 833837. 
E: [email protected]  W: www.trainingmages.org

Care of Paper and Photographic Collections
1 June, Edinburgh
�35 for SMC members� volunteers, �85 for SMC / ASVA members,
�110 for non-members
How paper and photographic collections can become damaged whilst on display, in storage and when being handled and measures that can be taken to prevent such damage.
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

Help at Hand: Working with Handheld Guides
12 June, London
�100 for MA members, �185 for non-members
Handheld technology issues covered will include:
cost, portability, repair and operational issues
integrating the technology with print and other forms of interpretation
creating content
the pros and cons of different formats.
Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW.  T: 020 7426 6940.
E: [email protected]  W: http://www.museumsassociation.org/12169

An Introduction to Environmental Monitoring
16 June, Perth
�35 for SMC members� volunteers, �70 for SMC / ASVA members,
�100 for non-members
An introduction to environmental monitoring, exploring reasons for undertaking monitoring, what factors should be monitored, the variety of equipment available and how to analyse and make use of the data gathered.
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

Galleries and Art Museums as Sites for Critical Enquiry: Exploring Visual Arts, Education and Community Engagement
27 June - 2 July, Porto, Portugal
The engage International Summer School for mid-career gallery educators will discuss aspects of current practice in gallery education; current research and political agenda; the positioning of gallery education within the cultural sector; and international contexts for gallery education. The initial deadline for applications is 24 April.
Alex Hitchins, engage, Basement, 108 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RA. 
T: 020 7244 0110.  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.engage.org/fasttrain/engage_iss.aspx

A Right to Collections? Cultural Entitlement and Museums. UMIS Conference.
Call for Papers
16 - 17 November, Dundee
The University Museums in Scotland 2006 conference will focus on Cultural Entitlement and also look more generally at outreach activity and its implications for museum collections. Papers are invited on this theme - please see the website www.dundee.ac.uk/umis for details or contact Matthew Jarron.  T: 01382 384310. 
E: [email protected]