Independent trust status plan for Bristol Museums Galleries and Archives

Bristol’s thriving museums, galleries and archives could become an independent trust in proposals being considered by the City Council’s cabinet next week.

The trust would have charity status and have more freedom to innovate, fund-raise, attract donations from philanthropists and undertake an improvement strategy. 

All the major assets including the collections and buildings would remain in City Council ownership, and the council’s annual subsidy would remain at current levels of funding.

If given the green light by the Cabinet next Thursday (4th October), the proposal would be phased for implementation in 2014. All staff would be transferred over on TUPE conditions.

Council Leader Simon Cook said: “Our museums service has gone from strength to strength since the opening of M Shed, attracting over one million visitors over the last year. Now is the right time to look at its long-term future.

“Experience from across the country shows that museums and galleries have more freedom to grow and innovate when they are at arms length from local government.

“The independent trust model of governance proposed will provide this flexibility and dynamism, at the same time as preserving the council’s influence - as the major key funder and owner of its assets.”

The key elements and assets of the Bristol Museums Galleries and Archives are:

· Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery
· M Shed
· Bristol Records Service
· Blaise Castle Museum
· Red Lodge
· Georgian House
· Roman Villa
· Bristol and Region Archaeological Society
· Bristol and Region Environmental Service
· All collections acquired by the service through the Arts Council England Accreditation and Designation Scheme - held by Bristol City Council, including the recently acquired British Empire and Commonwealth Collection.

Bristol Museums Galleries and Archives is a major part of the National Museums Network and is funded by Bristol City Council, Arts Council England and enterprise activity.  The new governance model will be extended across all sites and the public programme, which will be presenting shows from the National Portrait Gallery, British Museum and Art Fund International. The service will continue to develop its national and international profile.

For a copy of the cabinet paper please see www.bristol.gov.uk/cabinetoctober