The report of the Interim Strategic Director, Place (Document “P”) will be submitted to the Committee to provide an update on progress within the District’s Museums and Galleries Service, forward plans, regional context, current challenges and opportunities including an update on the transformation work undertaken since the last report November 2021.

Recommended –

That Members consider and comment on the updates provided in this report.

(James Steward – 07977 590336)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “P”) was submitted to the Committee to provide an update on progress within the District’s Museums and Galleries Service, forward plans, regional context, current challenges and opportunities including an update on the transformation work undertaken since the last report November 2021.

As part of the 10-year strategy spanning 2022-2032 and launched in January 2022, the strategic priorities and new vision for the Museums and Galleries Service to develop the service as part of the Council’s wider cultural ambitions.

The new vision statement is as below.

“Our unique buildings and collections enable the people of Bradford District to tell their own stories. We work with our communities and partners to develop and care sustainably for our shared heritage so that everyone can learn, find their voice, create, be ambitious, connect with others and better understand their place in the world.”

Following the decline in visits during the Covid-19 pandemic, the numbers of visitors were increasing indicating a strong public confidence in the service and a steady recovery.  In addition, following a successful application to the Arts Council England (ACE), Bradford would join the National Portfolio from 2023-24. The funding from the NPO award would enable the transformation of the Museums service making them more representative of the local communities.  The report included how the service would engage with the local community, identifying its target audiences and how it would develop community exhibitions and programmes. 

Officers summarised the main points from the report with school visits recovering well but identified their aim to bring children into museums with a target set at 100% for a visit to at least one site.  Members were updated on the Museum’s collections management and the more judicious approach to additions.  The digital engagement gained during the pandemic would be maintained and the service would continue to host apprenticeship placement opportunities.  The success of the Kickstart programme contributed to trainees progressing into full employment and Bradford had also won an award.  In addition, BM&G volunteer gardeners won the Sustainability Starts Award as a result of the work done at Bolling Hall.  These and other volunteer projects would contribute towards the Year of Culture 2025.

Members were then given the opportunity to ask questions and comment.  The details of which and the responses given are as below.

·                A Member asked how the city centre museum was progressing and was advised that there were 4 strong potential museum sites but there was no additional information.  The project group was starting to focus on 2025 but it was important that there would be an offering for visitors who came during the year

·                A Member asked if the strategy was being accelerated in light of BD25 and was advised that there was a focus on museums to show the District’s legacy for the year of culture

·                A Member stated that there was low ethnic minority representation in more senior roles on a national basis and was there a plan to include minorities in roles such as curator and giving opportunities to learn the necessary skills.  Officers advised that some progress had been made in workforce diversity but acknowledged the point made about the level of roles filled.  New staff would reflect the local community and work was underway to commission young artists and contractors from localities

·                A Member questioned the number of sessions carried out at Bolling Hall as the number was considered to be quite small.  Officers stated that the location was small so fewer sessions were possible but a review was being carried out of the engagement programme

·                Some considered museums to be serious and Members asked if there were any opportunities to make them more appealing to children.  Officers responded and said that they wanted repeat visitors and to host popular exhibitions.  A relationship needed to be developed with audiences

·                A Member asked if funding for Museums could be used to help schools get to them and could funding be used to house the city centre museum by using an existing council building.  Officers advised that workshop costs were kept down but funding was not used for transport costs.  Work was being carried out to improve early years’ cultural development with a commitment to provide low cost or free programmes

·                The District’s Industrial Heritage was not presented in a ‘joined up’ way and Members were advised that it was a big piece of work being done to connect them up

·                Members asked about the District offer in support of health and wellbeing and were advised that it was another strand of the strategy as the value of mental health was recognised.

Resolved –

That a progress report be submitted to the Committee in 12 months’ time.

Action: Interim Strategic Director, Place