Agenda item

(To receive a verbal update from Will Mason (Cultural Services Manager) on the Future Model of the Heritage Service, including an update on the public consultation process)

The Cultural Services Manager gave a verbal report on the Future Model of the Heritage Service consultation process, which highlighted the following:

·       The 10 week consultation was due to end on the 24 April 2019.

·       Once the consultation had closed, there would be a full analysis of all of the data and a report would be produced to include the results. 

·       The main focus from both the media and the public had been the closure of the Usher Gallery.

·       Officers had worked with the consultation institute at every stage of the process, which had included a half way review in which all relevant partners were invited to meet with officers to discuss the proposals. The responses from key partners and stakeholder would all be included in the report.

Members were invited to ask questions, in which the following points were noted:

·       In response to a question from a member of the public, the Cultural Services Manager explained that there were a broad number of environmental standards which were considered essential for displaying valuable art exhibits. The required standards varied significantly dependent on different pieces of artwork.

·       It was explained that it was becoming more difficult to hold some pieces of artwork at the Usher Gallery, due to the environmental standards expected.

·       It was clarified that the Collection Museum had significantly better environment and safety standards than the Usher Gallery.

·       The Executive Councillor for Culture and Emergency Services explained that there had been some major exhibitions that had come to the Usher Gallery in the last couple of years. However, many of those lending the artwork were extremely specific about the environmental standards that they were held in. Many pieces were not suitable for the usher gallery due to the environmental conditions that were determined by the lender.

·       It was noted that many touring exhibitions were also looking for larger spaces than the Usher Gallery could offer, as they would not be able to engage the audience in the way that they intended due to the limited amount of space available.

·       It was explained that it would cost a significant amount to improve the environmental elements in the Usher Gallery so that they matched those in The Collection. Climates were sometimes able to be managed through micro-climating but this was also an expensive process.

·       The proposals focussed on the development of The Collection as a supersite, which allowed the location to grow as part of the heritage service and provide more people with the opportunity to engage with heritage and art.

·       It was confirmed that the Collection Museum currently received five times the number of visitors of the Usher Gallery.

·       The Cultural Services Manager informed Members that there was a significant amount of development space available in The Collection.

·       A member of the public asked Members to consider that the Usher Gallery was the only standalone art gallery in Lincolnshire, and provided children in Lincolnshire with the opportunity to visit an art gallery and engage with the art form. 

·       A member of the public strongly supported the view that the Usher Gallery needed to be maintained, and urged Members to also consider the future of the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.

·       The Executive Councillor for Culture and Emergency Services explained that there were a number of ideas for the Museum of Lincolnshire Life being considered at a formative stage. 

·       The Cultural Services Manager highlighted that the council were keen to support the broader heritage sector, particularly around community heritage.

RESOLVED:

          That the verbal report and comments made be noted.