Issue - meetings

This report will provide an update on the activities of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum over the last year including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Operating restrictions have been applied since March 2020 which has had the inevitable negative impact on visitors, income and learning activities.

However despite the ongoing pandemic, the museum has reopened twice and attracted a high level of visitors compared to similar local attractions. The Pre-Raphaelite exhibition – ‘Beyond the Brotherhood; The Pre-Raphaelite Legacy’ was delivered and then extended so visitors had access after the initial lockdown period.

The DCMS and ACE funded project for the redisplay of three historic rooms was nearly completed and has hugely improved the visitor experience in the first-floor rooms.

Work on the review of governance has continued with steady progress being made.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum has been successful in attracting two major support grants from Arts Council England. £29,000 from the Coronavirus Emergency Fund has supported salaries and digital developments.  £226,000 from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund will support the loss of visitor income, investments in future financial sustainability (outdoor catering, signage and new till systems) and provides support for consultancy and professional services needed for the Governance Review.

The Museum Manager presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Committee were provided with an update on the activities of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum over the last year, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.  The following main points were discussed:

• Due to Covid-19 restrictions the operating of the Gallery and Museum had been limited and emphasis of public interaction directed at online activities.  The Committee expressed their thanks and passed on to staff congratulations for what they had achieved during such trying times.
• The Art Council’s accreditation process, which had previously been deferred, was still suspended but details regarding the new schedule should be announced during January 2021. The current accreditation status had been extended, so the Museum and Gallery remained accredited.  It was suggested that there may still be a minimum of a 12-month delay until the process would be re-started.  Any policies and plans that needed review by this Committee for accreditation would be included on the Agenda for the next two meetings.
• Following a successful prosecution against those who had stolen lead from the exterior of the Russell-Cotes building, there was concern that long periods where the Museum was closed, could lead to further opportunistic vandalism.  Whilst there was a desire to secure the perimeter of the premises, the building’s Listed status limited what could be done.  However, this could be discussed with BCP Council, to investigate options. 
• Whilst considering the exterior of the building, the matter of visitor access was discussed, particularly in relation to the exterior doors and visibility.  It was suggested that the main entrance should be more obvious, and that this should be considered as a part of future activity for presentation.
• The Committee commended the work that had been done to digitalise aspects of the Museum and Gallery.  It was advised that there was a long-term ambition to extend the digital range, to compliment the visiting experience. It was hoped to add the museum shop online eventually. 

RESOLVED that the Management Committee accept the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum 12-month review report for the period November 2019 - November 2020 and agree the actions suggested in the report.

Voting: Unanimous