Issue - meetings

The Museum has had a strong summer half-year, though not quite reaching the record levels of summer 2023. Visitor numbers were reduced from the 2023 peak by 9% but income only by 2%. Admission and events income was strong, but shop and café were reduced, the latter particularly by the loss of tables on the terrace due to building work.

The exhibition of work by Albert de Bellaroche was well received and other programming – children’s holiday activities, programmed Late evenings and tours and talks continued successfully.

A number of grant applications have been submitted notably for MEND Round 4 (£1,528,543) for maintenance and repairs and to support exhibitions and engagement.

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 Museum had a strong summer half-year, though not quite reaching the record levels of summer 2023. Visitor numbers were reduced from the 2023 peak by 9% but income only by 2%. Admission and events income was strong, but shop and café were reduced, the latter particularly by the loss of tables on the terrace due to building work.

The exhibition of work by Albert de Bellaroche was well received and other programming – children’s holiday activities, programmed Late evenings and tours and talks continued successfully.

A number of grant applications had been submitted notably for MEND Round 4 (£1,528,543) for maintenance and repairs and to support exhibitions and engagement.

The Committee congratulated the Museum Manager and colleagues on the successful shows and exhibitions that had taken place with a successful turnout.

The Committee noted the 42 building faults that had been recorded with liquid issues and looked forward to the announcement due to take place in February as the mend project is critical for the stabilisation of the building.

In response to a query about BCP Council's responsibility for its staff and the resolution of issues within the building, the Committee was informed that reports had been submitted to building maintenance, with priorities assigned based on urgency. While building maintenance had attempted to address urgent issues promptly, some problems were complex and took longer to resolve.

The Committee expressed their gratitude to the Museum Manager and colleagues for their ongoing work on the externalisation process and for having continued to operate under challenging conditions. The Committee also offered assistance for the continued promotion of arts and culture.

RESOLVED that The Management Committee accepts the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum Update Report for the period 1 April – 30 September 2024