The Director of the National Science and Media Museum will present a report (Document “AA”) which updates Members on the progress made in respect of the Museum’s three year plan covering the period April 2015 to March 2018.

The views of the Committee are requested and will be relayed to the Museum’s Trustees.

                                                            (Bobsie Robinson – 01274 432922)

A report was submitted (Document “AA”) which updated Members on the progress made in respect of the National Science and Media Museum’s three year plan, covering the period April 2015 to March 2018, which aimed to re-focus its offer with a greater emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and to move to a sustainable operating model for the long term future.

The Strategic Director, Place explained that the results achieved over the three year period, which had been supported by the Council and its investment of £1 million were welcomed.

The Director of the Museum gave a presentation to highlight some of the achievements and events.  She explained that:

·         A lot of hard work had been undertaken both with and alongside the Council and the new name brand and website had been introduced in early 2017.

·         The re-launch had including the opening of an exciting new interactive gallery; ‘Wonderlab’ which focused on light, sound and perception.

·         The re-launch event had been very successful.

·         Significant work was being undertaken to engage with the local community; the Museum endeavoured to provide a high quality out of school experience and aimed to raise the aspirations and attainment of local children.

·         The frontage was now colourfully lit at night and this had given the Museum a stronger presence within the City Centre.

·         Attendance had increased significantly in comparison with previous years..

·         A ‘Supersenses’ exhibition had taken place in Summer 2017 this had included exhibits exploring the way in which animals perceive the world and a sound installation, undertaken in conjunction with students from Bradford College, associated with the City Park Mirror Pool.

·         The Museum was very proud of the Bradford Science Festival which had been delivered, in conjunction with a network of other agencies and local science and technology providers, in July 2017. All expectations had been exceeded with over 34,500 visitors over the weekend. There had also been a significant impact in terms of the numbers visiting the Broadway Shopping Centre and City Park. The event had received  funding from the Broadway Shopping Centre.

·         Between September and November the Museum had hosted the Soyuz Capsule that had transported the astronaut Tim Peake to and from the International Space Station in 2015/16. This event had included a personal appearance by Tim Peake and the chance to experience a Virtual Reality Space Descent. Sponsorship and assistance had been provided by Samsung and many connections had been made with local schools.

·         A Widescreen Weekend Film Festival had been held on October which had resulted in a 15% uplift on admissions and a 27% increase in box office income. The Museum was one of only 3 venues in the world able to show Cinerama on the Pictureville Cinema curved screen.

·         Numerous activities had taken place during the October Half Term in 2017 and 28,000 visitors had been welcomed during this period.

·         The Museum had been highly commended at the White Rose Awards.

·         The Museum had hosted the Yorkshire Games Festival for the second time; this was a 5 day event celebrating games culture, design and production and was an inspiring event for local students.

·         To date the numbers of visitors was 26% higher than previous years; it was hoped to exceed the figure of 500,000 by the end of the year in 18 days time.

·         The Council was thanked for its significant investment and the clear alliance between it and the Museum.

She responded to questions from Members:

·         A high benchmark had now been set in respect of attendance. It was anticipated that after the significant initial increase that there may be a dip in numbers but a strong activity programme was planned for the future and staff would continue to work hard to maintain interest and engagement. A Business Plan had been completed for the next 12 months had been completed. An application was to be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in respect of the next big stage of investment into Sound and Vision Galleries which were anticipated for 2022.

·         The vast majority of the funding came from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and no increase had been made at the last two spending reviews. There constraints on funding and the Museum was constantly looking at how it could be sustainable.  The contribution this museum made to the British Science Museum Group was recognised.

·         The Bradford district had some areas of high deprivation and the aspiration was to become a sector leader in respect of engagement with harder to reach communities.

·         Talks were already taking place with the Broadway Centre in respect of the Science Festival for 2018. It was envisaged that this event would continue to grow in partnership with a network of agencies; this currently included a number of science and technology companies but anyone who wished to become involved would be welcome.

·         Surveys of visitor numbers were carried out on a monthly basis.  Currently approximately 80% were from the broader Yorkshire and Humberside area and, of this number, 40% were from Bradford.  The data indicated a significant increase in the number of family visits.

·         The 3 year agreement and the £1 million investment by the Council had now concluded; the aim of this had been to reposition the Museum so that it had a strong and stable future. It was in a much stronger position now but it was acknowledged that this was a continually challenging environment and continued investment from partners would be needed.

·         Although the January target for Education Groups had not been reached it was believed that this could have been due to the bad weather at this time. The Museum  was on target to reach the 36000 for such visits for the year.

·         The vast majority of educational visits were from establishments within the district but the Museum had some unique exhibits that could attract interest from much further away.

·         The Widescreen Film Festival event had even attracted international visitors.

·          Connections had now been made with 164 of the district’s schools and this work would continue.

Members thanked the Director for the interesting presentation and the fantastic work being undertaken by the Museum and its staff. The focus on engagement with schools was welcomed.

Resolved –

(1)       That Document “AA” be welcomed and the Director of the National Science and Media Museum and the Assistant Director, Sport and Culture be thanked for their presentation.

(2)       That the strong presence the National Science and Media Museum has in the district be welcomed and that the Director be commended on her role in bringing exciting and innovative exhibits to the Museum.

(3)       That a further progress report be submitted to the Committee in twelve months time.

ACTION:       Assistant Director, Sport and Culture