AUGUST 2006

IN THIS ISSUE –
· The root cause of dissatisfaction with Renaissance in the Regions among independent museums may lie not with the scheme itself, but with the absence of a national museums strategy which acknowledges the breadth and depth of the museum sector. This is the conclusion of new research commissioned by AIM into the effects of Renaissance on independent museums. After years of working together to ‘speak with one voice’ smaller museums feel left out of the Renaissance project, Adrian Babbidge of the Egeria Heritage Consultancy found. The development of a hierarchical museum structure went against the grain of the concept of museums as a single family, compromising “a sense of unity of purpose.” Nevertheless independents do benefit, albeit ‘invisibly’. Between 2004 and 2008 £30.2 million will be focused on independent museums in various ways. However Adrian Babbidge says a lack of clear strategic direction in implementing Renaissance had resulted in annoyance and a lack of clear accountability. This was now being addressed, but a clear understanding needed to be developed to ensure improvement. Page 1/2
· AIM celebrates its 30th anniversary next year and the annual conference will be hosted by Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, Shropshire, a leading independent museum, on 21-23 June. Page 2
· AIM has made 14 grants in the second round of its Sustainability Scheme, totalling £59,946. The scheme, supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, has attracted a huge response from AIM members. Successful applicants this round are – Charles Burrell Museum, Diss Museum, Greenfield Valley Museum, Alford Manor, Locksmiths House, Vale & Downland Museum, Torfaen Museum Trust, Birmingham Motor Omnibus Trust, Hertfordshire Museums, Nothe Fort, The Farmland Museum, Brighton Toy Museum, Macclesfield Museums and Ullapool Museum. Case studies of the winning applications are being published in each AIM Bulletin for the duration of the scheme. Pages 3/6/7
· The heritage sector’s big new public awareness campaign – History Matters – pass it on – was launched in London in July and aims to raise the profile of history and our heritage. A MORI poll shows that the nation values history more than sport, and substantially more than football. 80% think history matters in today’s society and 69% think history is a ‘cool’ subject. The campaign is being run by the National Trust, English Heritage, the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund, the Historic Houses Association, Heritage Link (of which AIM is a member) and the Civic Trust. The campaign will involve distribution of 2.25 million badges, postcards to complete asking questions about history, hundreds of events and the public voting for their favourite historic places. Museums can benefit by getting involved. Further information: www.historymatters.org.uk. Page 4
· Cultural institutions across the country have come together for the first time to unveil a vision for the cultural future of Britain over the next 10 years – and ask the Government to help capitalise on their achievements in preparation for the London Olympics 2012. Values and Vision: The Contribution of Culture (of which AIM is a co-signatory) proposes a settlement between Government and the cultural sector. We celebrate the richness of our cultural assets and contribution to the national economy and explain what we can do if Government increases its commitment. Government in turn commits itself to the value and contribution culture makes to learning and education, creativity and economic vitality, social regeneration and health and community cohesion, and places the cultural sector closer to the heart of public policy making. Further information: www.nationalmuseums.org.uk/values_and_vision.html. Page 9

Also in this issue –
· Anson Engine Museum volunteer receives prize for voluntary work
· AIM refines its membership structure
· ss Great Britain wins Gulbenkian Prize for museums and galleries
· Comment: AIM Chairman Bill Ferris on Renaissance and independent museums
· Bottom Line: Trading subsidiaries legislation
· Gift Aid Scheme questionnaire
· AIM rejects capitalisation of heritage assets
· Not for boring old arts – Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, West Sussex re-opens
· Lottery campaign bears fruit for heritage
· £12 million cultural leadership programme launched
· AIM members collect awards for excellence
· MuseumProfile: The Fry Art Gallery, Saffron Walden, Essex
Plus
Information on AIM's latest events, AIM's Trading Survey, the Bob Harding Training Fund Bursaries and FOCUS information papers, and the two—page AIM Directory — 30+ providers of products and services for the museum sector.

Further information contact:
Roger Hornshaw, AIM Adminstrator
Tel 02392 587751 admin@aim-museums.co.uk

Bill Ferris, AIM chairman
Tel 01634 823800 Fax 01634 832801 wferris@chdt.org.uk

Diana Zeuner, AIM Bulletin editor
Tel/Fax 01730 812419 heavyhorse@mistral.co.uk.