SMC e-bulletin

SMC Monthly e-bulletin August 2007

The next deadline for applications is 31 August 2007.
The small grants programme provides funding for smaller projects that benefit Registered/Accredited museums with a simple application process and a relatively fast response time. We want to invest in projects and initiatives that align with our vision for a welcoming museums and galleries sector that opens doors and celebrates collections, inspiring creativity, learning and enjoyment for all.
Projects awarded under this scheme must be completed by mid-March 2008 and claimed before the end of March 2008.
For further information, please see our website at http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/areas_of_work/grants/small_grants.asp
or contact SMC Grants Development Manager Beverley Davies. 
T: 0131 550 4155  E: [email protected]

The deadline for these new bursaries is also 31 August � for details, see the website at http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/areas_of_work/grants/SMC_Grants/Collectionsresearchandtra.asp
If you have any questions about the bursaries, contact SMC Collections Development Manager Gill Findlay.  T: 0131 550 4126  E: [email protected]

Applicants who have submitted a Note of Interest should note that Round Two of the Recognition Scheme will close on Friday 7 September at 5.00pm. The successful applicants will be announced in February of next year. Meanwhile, watch this space for confirmation of the dates for Round Three which will open in October 2007.
If you have any questions about the scheme, contact Recognition Scheme Manager Mike Taylor.  T: 0131 550 4137  E: [email protected]

Advance notice of a day looking at the benefits and requirements of external evaluation of RDCF partnership projects. The day will be held in Edinburgh on Friday 19 October 2007. Further details and materials will be issued to all partnerships in the near future.
If you have any queries, contact SMC RDCF Scheme Manager Fiona McOwan. 
T: 0131 550 4128  E: [email protected]

The new programme includes the following courses:

• Ethics, 03/10/07, Edinburgh
• Developing and evaluating online learning resources, 17/10/07, Stirling 
• Care of textiles, 15/11/07, Edinburgh
• Environmental monitoring, 13/02/08, Stirling
• Oral history, 21/02/08, Glasgow
• Working with people with special educational needs, 07/03/08, Edinburgh
• Develop and evaluate learning activities, 14/03/08, Perth
• Writing a collections care action plan, 18/03/08, Edinburgh.

For details, see the SMC website at
http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/pdfs/Training_programme_Sep_07_to_Mar_08.pdf
or contact Lucy Adams.  T: 0131 550 4110  E: [email protected]

SMC Learning and Access Manager Sally Wainwright will have a table at the Scottish Learning Festival, 19 - 20 September in Glasgow, with other heritage organisations in a dedicated Learning and Practice area. The aim is to promote the work of museums and galleries around teaching and learning issues.
If you have any material (e.g. leaflets, posters, CDs) relating to school and pre-school learning, activities, resources etc suitable for the stall, or if you can help staff it for any length of time, please contact Sally. 
T: 0131 550 4135  E: [email protected]

Here�s an important date for your diary � the next Show Scotland weekend will take place 2nd � 5th May 2008 and now is the time to get your thinking caps on to plan how you will celebrate the museums and galleries big events weekend. We will be in touch in the near future with key findings from Show Scotland 07 and with news as it unfolds of Show Scotland 08 activity. In the meantime, this is a good opportunity to mull over what kind of creative event will entice new or lapsed visitors into your venue.

Rachel Bhandari has been appointed as ICT Development Manager (External) to cover Dylan Edgar�s absence on secondment. Rachel worked previously at the Tate Gallery putting collections on-line, and on multimedia projects at the National Gallery in London. She will be working at SMC on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. To contact Rachel, telephone 0131 550 4121 or e-mail [email protected]
Susie Hillhouse has now left SMC. We are in the process of appointing a new Standards Manager who will deal with the Accreditation programme. In the interim, if you have any queries about Accreditation, please contact SMC Head of Research and Standards Alison Colvine.  T: 0131 550 4136  E: [email protected]
We are also currently recruiting for a Planning and Partnership Development Manager
(see http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/about/vacancies_intro.asp).
Contact details for SMC staff can be found on the web at
http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/about/staff_intro.asp

It is with sadness that we report the death of Jim Blair, former member of the SMC board, former president of the Scottish Museums Federation and Director of Leisure and Cultural Services for Perth and Kinross Council until he took early retirement in 2000.
Jim started his career as assistant keeper of natural sciences at Dundee Museum, was later appointed keeper of design and development there and then became curator of Perth Museum in 1975. His distinctions included a Fellowship of the Museums Association and an OBE for services to museums.

A reminder - if you need conservation advice, it is available to SMC members from the Scottish Conservation Studio.  T: 0131 331 5875  E: [email protected]

The Museums Association�s proposed revisions of its code of ethics on disposal reflect the view that museums are more actively undertaking transfer and disposal as an integral part of collections management, and that transfer and disposal may sometimes be necessary to ensure the sustainability of museum collections.
SMC welcomes these changes: �In Scotland, the subject remains high on museum agendas and features as an integral part of SMC�s �Shaping Collections�, a key priority in A National Collections Development Strategy for Scotland�s Museums
(http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/pdfs/Publications/Collections_Development_Strategy.pdf)
To view the final draft of the proposed changes and to find out more about the MA�s work on disposal, see http://www.museumsassociation.org/ethics&_IXPOS_=rhs3

The next meeting of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel will be on Tuesday, 23 October 2007. The deadline for bids for that meeting is Tuesday, 2 October 2007.
New Treasure Trove cases are now advertised on the TT website http://www.treasuretrovesotland.co.uk as well as in this bulletin.
Request: Please would any museum planning an exhibition using Treasure Trove finds advise the Treasure Trove Administrator so that details can be publicised on the Treasure Trove website.
Jenny Shiels, Treasure Trove Administrator, National Museums Scotland.
E: [email protected]

Recent Heritage Lottery Fund grants include:

• �50,000 to Edinburgh University Collection of Historical Instruments to employ a Learning and Access Officer for three years to improve access to the nationally significant collection of historical musical instruments.
• �48,400 to Dileab Bhearnaraigh � Berneray Historical Society Research Project to employ a Project Officer for two years to catalogue their photographic and archive collections and develop new exhibition programmes. 
• �39,000 to The Burns First Edition Project to celebrate the importance of Kilmarnock as the place where Robert Burns published his first major work. The project will build a working replica of an 18th century printing press, as used by John Wilson, who published Burns� Kilmarnock edition in 1786. The press will be located at the Dick Institute. The project will also ensure that an important collection of Burns memorabilia, the James McKie collection, which has been in storage for 30 years, is made available to the public.
• �20,300 to The West Lothian Youth Theatre towards a project focusing on the history of the oil shale industry in West Lothian which will involve visits to heritage sites including the Bennie Museum and Almond Valley Heritage Centre. The young people will participate in workshops using artefacts from the museums.
• �9,500 to Kilmartin House Trust to enable the museum to organise an archaeological exhibition which will form part of the Highland 2007 Year of Culture celebrations.
• �7,825 to the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre to collect, preserve, archive and exhibit material relating to Jewish heritage and culture in Scotland. 
• �6,160 to Fochabers Heritage Society to enable the society to transform a disused area of the heritage centre into a typical Milne�s School room.

Voluntary sector organisations that provide services or input to the Historic Environment Sector should note that Historic Scotland is implementing new procedures for its forthcoming funding application round, which will cover three years beginning 2008/09. A revised application form and guidance notes are available on the Historic Scotland website at http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/grants/voluntarysectorfunding.htm
Applications should be returned to Historic Scotland by 30 September 2007.
For further information, contact Martin Ross, tel 0131 668 8805, e-mail [email protected]
or Thomas Knowles, tel 0131 668 8819, e-mail [email protected]

The Voluntary Action Fund�s GO4Volunteering Grant Scheme aims to support small voluntary organisations that are volunteer-led. Grants of �500 - �2000 are available to help resource the training and development of volunteers and volunteering. For details, see the VAF website http://www.voluntaryactionfund.org.uk/grant-schemes/g4v or call Patricia McKibben on 01383 620780.

Biffaward has recently adopted a new Strategy for Giving. The fund is keen to allocate a greater proportion of its funding to cultural facilities (such as museums) and projects which help to rebuild the UK's biodiversity. For information about Biffaward, see the website http://www.biffaward.org, telephone 01636 670000 or e-mail [email protected]

The Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum in partnership with Communities Scotland�s Scottish Centre for Regeneration delivers the SURF Awards, presented to projects doing outstanding regeneration work in some of Scotland�s most disadvantaged communities.
The awards reflect success in maximising

• community empowerment
• partnership working between organisations
• co-ordination of strategies and initiatives
• benefit accrued from the resources available
• the prevention of social exclusion
• long term sustainability.

Successful projects should be able to demonstrate gains in

• pride and confidence in the community
• capacity and resources in the community
• success and wellbeing in the community.
• Nominations should be sent, by 21 September, to Andy Milne at SURF.
  T: 0141 585 6848  E: [email protected] 
  W: http://www.scotregen.co.uk/news/default.asp?ItemID=623

This publication is designed to support museum and gallery educators in programme planning, delivery and longer-term strategic planning and training. Topics covered include: learning theories, methodological frameworks, working with diverse audiences, and the museum environment.
Available free (a charge for postage will be made) from Alex Hitchins at engage, e-mail [email protected] or from the web at
http://www.ibc.regione.emilia-romagna.it/pdf/llml/llml_en.pdf

Cultureuro Seminars
September � December, various locations
�85
Information on European cultural co-operation and funding opportunities.
For details, e-mail [email protected] or see the website http://www.euclid.info

Introduction to Visitor Studies and Evaluation
3 September, Forfar / 23 November, Stornoway
Free of charge
NMS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on the value of visitor studies and evaluation.
For the Forfar workshop, contact Andrea Hallam, Tayside RDCF. 
E: [email protected]
For the Stornoway workshop, contact Hazel Bews (Highlands & Islands).
E: [email protected]
W: http://www.nms.ac.uk/introductiontovisitorstudiesandevaluation.aspx

Every Audience Matters. GEM Conference
4-7 September 2007, Leicester
�436 for GEM members, �496 for non-members
Diverse Learners, Diverse Audiences, and Diverse Organisations.
Group for Education in Museums.  T/F: 01634 312409  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.gem.org.uk/cpd/conf/conference.html

How Do I Get That Job?
5 September, Edinburgh
�20 for MPG members, �40 for non-members
Museum Professionals Group seminar on how to apply for jobs effectively and how to prepare for interviews.
Graham Binns, tel 01452 731422, e-mail [email protected]
or Liz Neathey, tel 01934 621028, e-mail [email protected]
W: http://www.museumprofessionalsgroup.org

Trustee Training
6 September, 2 - 5 pm, Edinburgh / 27 November, 2 - 5 pm, Glasgow
�55
The roles and responsibilities of board members in the cultural sector.
Pennie McIntyre, Arts & Business Scotland.  T: 0131 220 2499 
E: [email protected]  W: http://www.aandb.org.uk

Art, Conservation, and Authenticities: Material, Concept, Context
12-14 September, Glasgow
�220
Attributing authenticity; performing authenticity; meaningful materials; ephemeral images; aggregate objects; accumulating contexts; activated spaces; intangible narratives; and interpretative layers.
For further information, see http://www.arthist.arts.gla.ac.uk/html/news.htm or contact Ailsa Boyd, History of Art Department, University of Glasgow, tel 0141 330 4097,
e-mail [email protected]
or Erma Hermens, tel 0141 330 3943, e-mail [email protected]

Learning Styles: Engaging Visitors as Individuals
20 September, Manchester
�110 for MA members, �185 for non-members
Developments in learning theory and case studies of ground-breaking practice.
Museums Association.  T: 020 7426 6940  E: [email protected]

What's on Offer? Engaging Black and Minority Ethnic Adult Learners in Museum and Gallery Education
20 September, Liverpool
�98
Part of the commemoration of the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade, this meeting will focus on good practice in education programmes and how black history can be used to encourage non-traditional learners to participate in education programmes.
Gurjit Kaur, National Institute of Adult Continuing Education - England and Wales. 
T: 0116 204 2833  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.niace.org.uk/conferences/Conferences.htm .

Challenging Museum Theatre. Controversial Themes. Expanding Audiences
20-23 September, Belfast
�295 for IMTAL members, �395 for non-members
The International Museum Theatre Alliance conference will address issues challenging museum theatre and how museum theatre can address challenging issues.
For enquiries, contact John-Paul Coyle (e-mail [email protected]) or Robert Forshaw (e-mail [email protected]).  T: 02837 521801
Register via website www.imtal-europe.org

Collect: The Collections Management Exhibition
27 September, London
Free of charge
National trade fair highlighting the best in current practice, services and technologies for collections management.
For further information, see http://www.collectionslink.org.uk/collect

The Vital Spark. Heritage Interpretation
30 September � 3 October, Aviemore
�245

• The Vital Spark: interpretation as the driver for cultural regeneration
• creativity and innovation: interpreting remote and fragile areas
• voices in interpretation: languages, cultures and communities
• authenticity and re-interpretation: traditional icons in the 21st century.

Vital Spark 2007 Conference.  T: 01599 534999  W: http://www.thevitalspark2007.org.uk

Care and Management of Domestic Technology
1 October, Dundee
Free of charge
NMS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on effective curation and practical aspects of collections care including disposal, handling hazardous substances, registration and storage.
To book, contact Andrea Hallam, Tayside RDCF.  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.nms.ac.uk/careandmanagementofdomestictechnology.aspx

Share Options: Making Lending Easier
2 October, London
�110 for MA members, �185 for non-members
Current lending practice in the UK and resources for easier loans administration.
Museums Association.  T: 020 7426 6940  E: [email protected]

Ethics
3 October, Edinburgh
�35 for SMC member museums� volunteers, �50 for SMC / ASVA members,
�75 for non-members
This course aims to identify key ethical issues and to introduce elements of the Museum Association�s Code of Ethics.
Training, SMC.  T: 0131 550 4110  E: [email protected]

Developing and Evaluating Online Learning Resources
17 October, Perth
�35 for SMC member museums� volunteers, �70 for SMC / ASVA members,
�90 for non-members
Practical training on developing e-learning resources, exploring different methods, different audiences and how they use online resources. The course will also provide basic information on developing websites.
Training, SMC.  T: 0131 550 4110  E: [email protected]

Introduction to Pest Management
18 October, Inverness
Free of charge
NMS Knowledge Exchange Workshop to raise awareness of the damage insects and other pests can cause to the collections; how to prevent serious damage; and how to implement good procedures like object quarantine and a pest management programme.
Hazel Bews (Highlands & Islands).  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.nms.ac.uk/introductiontopestmanagement.aspx

Using Generic Learning Outcomes in Exhibition Planning
26 October, Elgin
Free of charge
NMS Knowledge Exchange Workshop introducing Generic Learning Outcomes (GLOs).
Hazel Bews (Highlands & Islands).  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.nms.ac.uk/usingglosinexhibitionplanning.aspx

Museums Association Annual Conference and Exhibition
22-24 October, Glasgow
�435 for MA members, �710 for non-members, special rates for various categories
The conference will explore three central themes:

• collections-related knowledge
• increasing visitor numbers
• measuring value.

W: http://www.museumsassociation.org/asset_arena/text/rm/conference

Preventive Conservation Forum. Visit to the HBOS Museum on the Mound
29 October, Edinburgh
Free of charge
An opportunity to tour the museum and to learn more about the displayed and stored collections and how preventive conservation measures are managed and monitored.
Doug MacBeath, Curator, Museum on the Mound.  T: 0131 243 5445 
E: [email protected]

Working with Audiences
31 October � 1 November, Edinburgh
�60 for engage personal members, �70 for engage organisational members and partner organisations, �80 for non-members
Involving audience groups and the impact this can have on programming, gallery education activities, audience development and the development of institutions.
Call for Case Studies � New for this year�s conference is the opportunity for delegates to present case studies related to the conference theme. The deadline for receipt of proposals is 20 August.
Jessica van Zanten, engage.  T: 020 7490 4690  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.engage.org/downloads/engageScotconf07.pdf

Making the Most of Your Board
8-9 November, Glasgow
�230
Ways of improving the performance and contribution of your board.
Arts & Business Scotland.  T: 0131 220 2499  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.AandB.org.uk

Archaeology and Identity
8-10 November, Glasgow
�100 for SMA members, �120 for non-members
The Society of Museum Archaeologists conference will consider themes such as devolution, museum trusts and human remains.
For details, e-mail [email protected] or see the website http://www.socmusarch.org.uk

Care of Textiles
15 November, Edinburgh
�35 for SMC member museums� volunteers, �85 for SMC / ASVA members,
�105 for non-members
Guidance on identifying care needs, handling and moving, storage, support, protection and the display of various textiles.
Training, SMC.  T: 0131 550 4110  E: [email protected]