Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Senior Collections Officer and the Assistant Director Economy.

The Senior Collections Officer presented a report which sought approval for the new RAMM Collections Development Policy to cover the period 2014 - 2019.  This would ensure a more strategic approach to the shaping of RAMM’s acquisitions and disposals, and an opportunity to examine the nature, extent sustainability and potential of its collecting activity. As funding for new acquisitions was likely to be limited between 2014 and 2019, the policy would also enable a stronger focus on targeting key acquisitions that would improve the quality of the collections and overall visitor experience.  The Policy also recognised that the level of digital data had grown significantly improving access to collections, and linking to collaborative work with Exeter University. An approved Collections Development Policy was also a requirement of Museum Accreditation, a prerequisite of funding requests to the Arts Council England and other bodies. RAMM is scheduled to apply for its Accredited Museum status renewal in April.

RAMM’s current collection was evidence of Exeter’s historical legacy, and it was important to distinguish the high quality and character which uniquely reflected the history of the local community.  The new policy builds on these existing strengths by closely managing future acquisitions.  The emotional impact, particularly for members of the public hoping to secure a place for their donations was recognised. It was also important to ensure that disposals remained part of a transparent process and complied with the Museum Associations Code of Ethics.

Members acknowledged the hard work and achievement in drawing the Collections Policy together, and made the following comments - 

·                Whether the Museum enlisted the help of digital artists to develop its contemporary art collection? The Senior Collections Officer stated that RAMM was interested in this area of artistic practice but recognised that technological change meant that preserving digital material over the very long term had particular challenges which would effectively limit its ‘life span’.

·                If the Museum had any artefacts from the First World War period or planned any display in recognition of the centenary? The Senior Collections Officer advised that the Museum had a number of nurse’s books containing notes by recuperating soldiers in local hospitals and a small number of military artefacts.  A series of exhibitions and events were planned to mark the commemoration.

·                An acknowledgement that the current catalogue reflected aspects of the record of Exeter’s social and industrial history.

Scrutiny Committee - Economy noted the report and recommended approval by Executive of the new RAMM Collections Development Policy 2014-2019.