Agenda item

This report introduces the 3-year forward plans for the Fashion Museum, Roman Baths Museum and Victoria Art Gallery necessary to attain Full Accreditation status with Arts Council England (ACE).

The Head of Heritage Services introduced this report to the Panel. He explained that the 3-year forward plans for the Fashion Museum, Roman Baths Museum and Victoria Art Gallery are necessary to attain Full Accreditation status with Arts Council England (ACE). He said that the Government’s Accreditation scheme requires governing body approval and the forward plans will go forward for formal adoption by single member decision in June 2018.

He stated the forward plans will be delivered within existing resources and no new funds are sought. The museum forward plans will be delivered within the Service’s cash limits as adopted by the Council in the Heritage Services 5-year rolling Business Plan.

He informed the Panel that the museum forward plans will contribute to the Heritage Services’ Service Aims, which are:

-  to enhance the quality of life for residents of Bath & North East Somerset;

-  to maximise public enjoyment of the Council’s world class heritage;

-  to enable people to learn from the activities and achievements of past and present societies;

-  to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures;

-  to contribute to the district's economic prosperity through our Business Plan.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien asked who pays the costs when items are loaned from the Fashion Museum.

The Head of Heritage Services replied that the facility in receipt of the items pays for the transport / courier and associated costs.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien asked what the end of lease options for the Fashion Museum were, could the Guildhall be an option. She added that if further storage for items from the Roman Baths were required, could the site of the Bath Community Academy be used.

She stated that she was not impressed by the plan for the Victoria Art Gallery and that she would like to see sculptures featured more as she felt this would generate more visitors.

The Head of Heritage Services replied that the Guildhall would not really be an option for the Fashion Museum as textiles need controlled light and conditions to protect them. He acknowledged that the museum does need a new lease of life and that attracting people to the current site is difficult. He said that there have been some discussions about a potential offer within a new build site.

He added that the partnership with Bath Spa University is flourishing and that for the past two years an ex Bath Spa student has been awarded Designer of the Year.

He said that storing items at Bath Community Academy had not been considered previously by officers.

He explained that most items within the Victoria Art Gallery are sourced locally and that he would look to show more sculptured items where possible.

Councillor Barry Macrae questioned whether the Fashion Museum required a central location or could it be transferred to an appropriate academic site. He added that he would like to see more work in the future carried out with local areas and their respective museums.

The Head of Heritage Services replied that they do try hard to engage with local communities and had referred to some of their work within section 6 of the report. He added that the Fashion Museum does need to be within a more suitable venue.

Councillor Barry Macrae asked how the marketability of the Assembly Rooms can be increased.

The Head of Heritage Services replied that the site needs to be more engaging and accessible.

Councillor Rob Appleyard commented that he felt the Fashion Museum required a central location, but accepted that it was currently difficult to get visitors to the City to the current location. He said that he could see a future for it within a newly built site. He added that the Roman Baths was an experience that everyone could enjoy.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien recalled that two themed exhibitions at the Fashion Museum spring to mind, Film and Jane Austen, and asked for consideration to be given to similar events in the future. She suggested two other potential options for its future home, the proposed new Bath Stadium or within the new Quays development.

The Chairman commented that the income attained by the service is an amazing achievement and that all concerned should be proud of their work.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the forward plans for the Fashion Museum, Roman Baths Museum and Victoria Art Gallery.