SMC e-bulletin

SMC Monthly e-bulletin January 2006

January 1, 2006

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Patricia Ferguson is expected to make a statement in response to the Cultural Commission�s report in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 19 January. The speech is expected to set out new ways of working for Scotland�s cultural and arts bodies.

January 1, 2006

The first edition of MGQ � SMC�s new museums and galleries quarterly publication will be issued at the end of January with the objective of sharing the achievements of museums and galleries and giving the sector a bigger voice with other cultural agencies and key stakeholders. MGQ replaces the printed SMSee publication.

January 1, 2006

Temporary contract to December 2006
Salary �18,381-23,023 per annum (pending review)
SMC is seeking an experienced and highly motivated person to support SMC's member museums in providing high quality lifelong learning and access provision.
For details / an application form, e-mail [email protected]
The closing date for applications is 27 January.

January 1, 2006

For all those who have already filled in a pre-application form, please remember that the final deadline for the SMC main grants programme is 31 January.

January 1, 2006

As mentioned in the last e-bulletin, �20,000 has been made available in grants to go towards events to be held as part of Show Scotland 06. If you have not received an application pack and would like an opportunity to apply, please e-mail [email protected]
Four free workshops will take places as follows:
1 February in Glasgow
2 February in Edinburgh
6 February in Inverness
7 February in Aberdeen.
The workshops will provide you with advice on creative ideas, attracting local sponsorship, developing a local PR campaign and guidance on using the Show Scotland brand.
Places are limited and will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis.
The first Show Scotland e-bulletin was sent out on 10 January giving the latest updates on the initiative. If you have not received this and would like to subscribe or would like information on grants or to take part in a workshop, please contact [email protected] or call Emma Davies on 0131 476 8451.

January 1, 2006

SMC and the Group for Education in Museums are working in partnership on the Grass Roots project to increase and enhance the learning services that their museum and gallery members offer. Over the past year, you may have attended workshops organised by Grass Roots, you may have received mentoring from the Grass Roots Education Officer, or you may have visited the project website to access the �how to� guides or other learning resources produced by the project. For information about the project, see the website http://www.gem.org.uk  or contact Grass Roots Education Officer Susan Galloway.  T: 01382 523635.  E: [email protected]
Pirnie Limited has been appointed to undertake an interim evaluation of the project.
Sue Pirnie will be in touch with a number of SMC members to ask for contributions to the evaluation. Sue would also welcome unsolicited feedback about the project: please address any feedback directly to Sue.  T: 07885 480414.  E: [email protected]

January 1, 2006

The Accounts Commission requires local authorities to make public specified information about their activities. Each year, they publish the Direction for the information to be collected during the next financial year for the following year�s report by setting statutory performance indicators (SPIs). The 2005 Direction sets a new indicator for museum services: visits to and use of museums:
a) the number of visits to / usages of council funded or part-funded museums per 1000 population
b) the number of those visits that were in person per 1000 population.
The new indicator has implications for non local authority museums as well as those directly run by councils, because any museum that is in receipt of support from the local authority will have to submit records through their council.
SMC has established a special grants scheme with a deadline of 9 February which offers grants of up to 100% of costs of equipment and services that support museums to comply with the new SPI.
Guidelines are available from the website at http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/areas_of_work/grants/spi_guideline.pdf
The application form is at
http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/areas_of_work/grants/SPI_application_form.doc
If you have any queries, please direct them in the first instance to the SMC Information Service.  T: 0131 538 7435.  E: [email protected]

January 1, 2006

Providing new or innovative opportunity for visitors to engage with collections is key in most public museums and the movement of objects through temporary exhibition or loan is an established means of achieving this. Accordingly, SMC is pleased to launch a new Guidance Note, free to download from
http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/information_services/factsheets_list/loans.asp
This explores all you might need to consider in negotiating and securing loan material.
We can further assist members with the loan process by providing advice and grant aiding projects which result in improvements to facilities and standards in care: for instance, enhanced security; new display cases or display equipment suitable for receiving loan material; conservation measures designed to protect items on loan; training for staff in object handling or security in anticipation of loan requirements.
If you have a project or would like to discuss a grant application for your museum, contact SMC Collections Development Officer Gill Findlay.  T: 0131 476 8458. 
E: [email protected]

January 1, 2006

A new collections care factsheet has been added to the recently reviewed suite available to download free from the SMC website at
http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/information_services/factsheets_list/collections_care.asp
Caring for Paintings and Frames in Museums has been written by an experienced conservator, familiar with the problems and concerns of non-specialist staff and volunteers in Scottish museums aspiring to achieve effective care of all types of collection.
For additional sources of collections care advice, information on contacting or commissioning a conservator or to discuss potential applications for grant assistance in this area, you can contact SMC Collections Development Officer Gill Findlay. 
T: 0131 476 8458.  E: [email protected]

January 1, 2006

Congratulations to the following member museums which were awarded Full Accreditation at the MLA panel meeting in December:
East Lothian Council - Dunbar Town House Museum, John Muir's Birthplace, Prestongrange Museum
Perth and Kinross Council- Perth Museum and Art Gallery, The Fergusson Gallery, Alyth Museum
Wanlockhead Museum Trust - Museum of Lead Mining.

The University of Edinburgh's Reid Concert Hall Museum of Instruments and
St Cecilia's Hall Museum of Instruments were both awarded Provisional Accreditation for three months.

All of these members took part in SMC's pilot of the scheme in summer 2004 and their experience of applying and being assessed under the new scheme has helped SMC to refine its procedures for the roll-out of the scheme to the rest of our Registered member museums.
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]

January 1, 2006

The Attractions Gift Aid Liaison Group has published information for charitable attractions about the new rules on gift aid eligibility, available on a website hosted by the Zoological Society of London. Free downloads include branding, wording and standard logos for use in promotional notices and brochures: see
https://www.zsl.org/info/gift-aid/gift-aid-for-charitable-attractions,341,AR.html

January 1, 2006

Temporary export bars have been placed on

• an English breech-loading magazine-primed flintlock fowling piece by Robert Rowland, dated 1718, deferred until 20 February but this may be extended until 20 May if there is a serious intention to raise funds with a view to making an offer to purchase the fowling piece at the recommended price of �85,000 (excluding VAT)
• a pair of paintings by Canaletto, View of the Grand Walk, Vauxhall Gardens and The Interior of the Rotunda, Ranelagh, deferred until 20 February but this may be extended until 20 June if there is a serious intention to raise funds with a view to making an offer to purchase the paintings at the recommended price of �6,000,000 (excluding VAT ).

Anyone interested in making an offer to purchase should contact the owner's agent through The Secretary, The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, 83 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0HW.

January 1, 2006

The next meeting of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel is 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.62/05 16th lead-jacketed gunshot, Kelso, Scottish Borders.
TT.63/05 Medieval lead brooch, Elgin, Moray.
TT.64/05 17thC gold posy ring and three coins, Kinross, Perth & Kinross.
TT.65/05 15 Russian lead seals, Broughty Ferry, Dundee.
TT.66/05 25 multi-period finds, Ardersier, Highland.
TT.67/05 Medieval bronze seal matrix, Inverness, Highland.
TT.68/05 Four medieval finds, Milnathort, Perth and Kinross.
TT.69/05 Gold lion of Robert III, Glasgow.
TT.70/05 Prehistoric/later bone pin/toggle, Galson, Isle of Lewis.
Jenny Shiels, Treasure Trove Administrator, National Museums of Scotland,
Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF.  T: 0131 247 4082.  E: [email protected]
W: www.treasuretrovescotland.co.uk

January 1, 2006

The Tourism Service Awards aim to reward an idea you have actually put into practice in your business � a concept that has made a positive difference. The first prize is a customised service learning journey to Berlin for two representatives of the winning organisation. Runners-up will win �500 of training vouchers for events on the Scottish Enterprise Tourism Development Programme. To apply, see the website
http://www.scotexchange.net/businessdevelopment/innovation_2004-2/
bright_ideas_in_service_2006.htm
or contact Diane Field, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, Atrium Court, 50 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6HQ.  T: 0141 204 1111.  E: [email protected]
The deadline for entries is 31 January.

January 1, 2006

These awards recognise and celebrate best practice in museums, galleries and heritage visitor attractions across the UK.
The Independent newspaper will be supporting the awards with a campaign that will start in February in the newspaper, online, and in museums and galleries. In addition, Heritage 365 will support the awards in its publications and online services.
For 2006, there are 12 categories across the spectrum of museum and heritage services. The judges will look for evidence of outcome, creativity, relation to objective and cost effectiveness as well as true excellence.
The closing deadline for entries is 24 February.
The presentation of the awards will take place on 10 May, to coincide with the opening day of the Museums & Heritage Show.
Museums and Heritage Show Ltd, The Coach House, Sharman Road, Worcester
WR1 3LA.  T: 01905 724734.  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.museumsandheritage.com/files/M&H%20Awards%20info%20.pdf

January 1, 2006

MDA�s SPECTRUM Terminology is a new online service created in response to the sector-wide requirement for greater availability and co-ordination of standard terminologies. It also supports the requirement of many SPECTRUM 'Units of Information' to "maintain a list of standard terms".
MDA, The Spectrum Building, The Michael Young Centre, Purbeck Road, Cambridge CB2 2PD.  T: 01223 415760.  E: [email protected] 
W: http://www.mda.org.uk/spectrum-terminology/

January 1, 2006

Volunteer Development Scotland has published 20 Top Tips for Asking to help organisations approach prospective volunteers more effectively � see the website http://www.vds.org.uk/news/NewsItemDetail.aspx?NewsItem=3264

January 1, 2006

The MA is offering discounted membership subscriptions, now from just �32 for new members.
Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW.  T: 020 7426 6910.
W: http://www.museumsassociation.org/individual&_IXPOS_=manews1.4

January 1, 2006

Skills Bank
The Arts and Business Skills Bank offers the opportunity to focus on, and resolve, a particular management problem or task and the chance to broaden your management skills through working with a business adviser.
Monica Jamieson, Arts and Business Scotland.  T: 0131 220 2499. 
E: [email protected]

European Cultural Co-operation. Cultur�uro Seminars
25 January, Glasgow / 28 March, Aberdeen / 6 April, Edinburgh
�75
These half day seminars will highlight not only current and future EU funding opportunities but also 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

Museum Copyright Group Meeting
27 January, Edinburgh
Free for MCG and MDA members, �10 for non-members
The meeting will include
an overview of the Museum Copyright Group's activities
the role of Creative Commons Licences in the public sector
oral history and copyright
copyright news.
Naomi Korn, Museums Copyright Group.  E: [email protected]

Text Messages. How to Write Effective Museum and Gallery Text
6 February, London
�100 for MA members, �175 for non-members
A variety of approaches to writing exciting, informative and accessible text for different audiences.
Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW.  T: 020 7426 6940. 
E: [email protected]  W: www.museumsassociation.org/events

Working with Special Educational Needs
6 February, Aberdeen
�25 for GEM / SMC members, �35 for non-members
Looking at working with people with learning difficulties and special educational needs, exploring ways in which museums can become inclusive and design inclusive activities.
Group for Education in Museums, Primrose House, 193 Gillingham Road, Gillingham ME7 4EP.  T: 01634 312409.  E: [email protected]

Developing ICT for Museum Learning
7 February, London
�65 for GEM members, �85 for non-members
Ways in which ICT can support learning in museum contexts and the planning, design, practical implementation and evaluation of effective websites.
Group for Education in Museums, Primrose House, 193 Gillingham Road, Gillingham ME7 4EP.  T: 01634 312409.  E: [email protected]

Managing to � be a Leader
8 February, Edinburgh
�125 for AMA members, �180 for non-members
This Arts Marketing Association workshop will help delegates explore their style of leadership and the needs of those they lead, focusing on assisting delegates to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to motivate and guide their team to success.
T: 01223 578078.  E: [email protected] 
W: http://www.a-m-a.co.uk/new/event_detail.asp?id=114

Introduction to Board Membership
14 February, Glasgow
�70, �50 for organisations in receipt of SAC funding
The roles and responsibilities of a board member in the cultural sector.
Monica Jamieson, Arts & Business Scotland.  T: 0131 220 2499. 
E: [email protected]

Many Happy Returns. Generating Income from Copyright
21 February, London
�100 for MA members, �175 for non-members
This course will cover areas of publishing, retail, licensing and content creation to demonstrate how they can be used for the best possible financial return.
Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW.  T: 020 7426 6940. 
E: [email protected]  W: www.museumsassociation.org/events

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 the basic principles of museum documentation, covering the following topics: SPECTRUM; the Museum Accreditation scheme; the identification of museum backlogs; and the content of a Documentation Plan.
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

Because We�re Worth It: Strategies and Tactics for Proving Value
23 February, London
�125 for AMA members, �180 for non-members
This Arts Marketing Association museums and galleries marketing day will explore how to promote your organisation�s value to an ever-increasing range of audiences and other stakeholders.
Alastair Morley.  T: 01223 500202.  E: [email protected] 
W: http://www.a-m-a.co.uk/new/event_detail.asp?id=113

Making the Most of Your Board
2 � 3 March, Stirling
�210, �150 for organisations in receipt of SAC funding
Ways of improving the performance and contribution of your board and making the relationship more effective and productive.
Monica Jamieson, Arts and 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 look at the role of different writing styles for different situations and discuss guidelines for clear and effective writing for the public.
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

The School Curriculum: Developments and New Avenues
9 March, Glasgow
�25 for GEM / SMC members, �35 for non-members
This Grass Roots training event will offer imaginative ways to link with the school curriculum and ideas on how to extend to new school audiences, including examples of successful secondary education marketing, enterprise in education and teacher placements. 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 amd 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 for your organisation.
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

Copyright Law
24 March, London
�50 for MA members, �75 for non-members
�85 for MA members if also attending Managing Volunteers, �130 for non-members
Developed in collaboration with the Museums Copyright Group, this session will look at the legal framework to develop a basic copyright law strategy.
Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW.  T: 020 7426 6940. 
E: [email protected]  W: www.museumsassociation.org/events

Managing Volunteers
24 March, London
�50 for MA members, �75 for non-members
�85 for MA members if also attending Copyright Law, �130 for non-members
This workshop will help you to adopt 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: www.museumsassociation.org/events

Going Green. Museums and the Environment
24 March, London
�110 for MA members, �185 for non-members
What environmental sustainability means in a museum context, the policies and practical measures necessary to achieve it, and ways to raise public awareness of the process.
Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW.  T: 020 7426 6940. 
E: [email protected]  W: www.museumsassociation.org/events

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
25 and 26 March, Bo�ness
Free of charge for representatives of Scottish museums, members of SRPS and HRA
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. Topics will include:
Scottish railway history � themes and collections
making the most of collections
the costs of collecting
giving collections a future
organising together.
There will be an opportunity for site tours �behind the scenes� at Falkirk Council Museums and at Bo�ness Station with visits to the storage and exhibition buildings.
Jane Freel, Scottish Railway Preservation Society, 17/19 North Street, Bo�ness
EH51 0AQ.  E: [email protected]

Sustainability Scheme
30 March, Edinburgh
Free of charge for AIM members, �30 for non-members
One of a series of AIM / Esmee Fairbairn Sustainability Scheme workshops which aim to help small independent charitable trust museums to help themselves become more self-sustainable. Museums with an annual turnover of less than �300,000 or with less than 60,000 visitors are eligible. The workshops will cover the following themes: governance; collections care; business planning; marketing; staff and volunteer training; IT and retail and catering.
Roger Hornshaw, AIM Administrator, 75 Western Way, Gosport PO12 2NF. 
T: 02392 587751.  E: [email protected]

January 1, 2006

Curiosity and Imagination, the national network for children�s hands-on learning, is inviting submissions for the 2006 Roots and Wings awards. The scheme aims to celebrate and share inspiring heritage learning practice. Up to 10 projects will win awards. For details, e-mail [email protected] or see the website www.curiosityandimagination.org.uk/in_practice.asp
The deadline is 3 April.