Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum Management Committee - Monday, 3rd June, 2024 2.00 pm

June 3, 2024 View on council website  Watch video of meeting or read trancript
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Summary

The meeting focused on the election of a vice chairman, public questions about the Russell Coates Museum and Gallery, and updates on the museum's activities and future plans. The council also discussed the museum's transition to an independent trust.

Election of Vice Chairman

Councillor Williams was elected as the vice chairman of the Russell Coates Park Gallery Museum Management Committee.

Public Questions

Alderman Chapel, who has been involved with the museum since 1976, asked three questions:

  1. Annual Grant or Subsidy: The council will not continue to make an annual grant to the new independent company. Instead, a one-time financial support of £2 million has been provided, along with other assets.
  2. Administration of CLG: The museum, house, and collections are in permanent endowment and cannot be sold or disposed of. Legal advice on this matter will be provided in a written statement.
  3. New IT, Legal, and Financial Arrangements: The new independent body will procure its own IT, finance, and HR support services.

Russell Coates Museum and Gallery Update

Sarah provided an update on the museum's activities:

  • Visitor Numbers: The museum had a record number of 53,000 visitors over the year, despite being closed for four weeks in January.
  • Building Concerns: The building is in poor repair, leading to theft and break-ins, although these issues have been resolved.
  • Exhibitions: Successful exhibitions included a photography exhibition and an upcoming exhibition called Artists on Per Bay: Spirit of Place.
  • Late Programs: Monthly evening events have been very successful, leading to changes in the number and ticketing of these events.
  • University Engagement: The museum has developed projects with Bournemouth University and AUB.
  • Funding: The museum received various grants, including £6,000 from the neighborhood still and £84,000 from Julius Starlord's legacy.

Acquisitions and Disposals

  • Acquisitions: The museum acquired five studies or sketches by Lucy Kemp-Welch, funded by the Art Fund and Arts Council England.
  • Disposals: The council approved the disposal of taxidermy items on loan to the Hampshire Cultural Trust.

Transition to Independent Trust

The council is working towards making the Russell Coates Museum an independent trust. An application has been made under Section 73 of the Charities Act, and the process involves approval from the Charity Commission and possibly the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport. The timeline for this transition depends on parliamentary procedures and approvals.

The meeting concluded with the council moving into an exempt session to discuss further details about the transition to an independent trust.