Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the activities of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum from October 2021 – March 2022 including the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Museum has been open for the entire period, with the exception of a 3 week closure in January for the planned installation of a new fire panel.  Although, visitor confidence has been impacted by the new Omicron variants since December and there have been challenges maintaining all services, generally the return to the new normal has been very successful.

 Visitor numbers are 92% of pre-Covid levels, exhibitions, events and family activities have returned with considerable success (compared to 77% for year as a whole).  The shop and café are similarly doing well. Investment has been made in the conservation of the historic interiors and some collections items to enhance the visitor experience.

2022 is the Museum’s Centenary year and a programme of activities for the year have begun well.

The Museum has been successful in its application for funding from the Arts Council MEND fund which will secure the conservatory, replace plant including the air handling units and improve drainage.

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.

This report provided the Committee with an update on the activities of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum from October 2021 – March 2022 including the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Committee commended the Team’s work around the difficulties which arose during the Covid Pandemic.

It was noted that just one wedding was listed and asked if there was an ambition to host more.  It was advised that the wedding booking had been taken during the pandemic.  The Team did not wish to continue with weddings but would consider individual approaches.  The building was a challenging environment for a wedding.  It was agreed that other ventures may be more beneficial to pursue. 

In response to a question about what merchandise sells best, it was advised that the guidebook was number one seller, then the current exhibition book, “Lost Words” number two and prints thirdly. 

RESOLVED that the Management Committee accepted the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum review report for the period 1 October 2021 – 31 March 2022 and agreed the actions suggested in the report

Voting: Unanimous