Issue - meetings

This winter 6-month period has seen the highest visitor numbers (23,283) since an admission charge was introduced in 2017, reflecting the popularity of the ‘Artists in Purbeck’ exhibition.  It has generated increased income in admissions, Gift Aid, cafe and shop.

The Museum submitted its latest Accreditation return to the Arts Council England. This sets standards for governance, collections care and user experience and is a requirement for important  museum activity such as inter-museum loans and grants. The result will be heard in August.

The Russell-Cotes has had considerable success with grant applications including:

·       £1,500,817 for building repairs from ACE MEND Round 4 subject to BCP Council approval;

·       £30,000 from Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art for a research curator into the tempera revival at the Russell-Cotes;

·       £8,000 acquisition grant for prints from the Hallett Prize;

as a partner museum in the £5million 5 year ‘Going Places’ project funded by Art Fund, National Heritage Lottery Fund and Julia Rausing Trust.

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 dry weather had reduced maintenance issues with less leaks, however, the recent cliff fires had put the museum at some risk as it was close to the cliff top.

This winter 6-month period had seen the highest visitor numbers (23,283) since an admission charge was introduced in 2017, reflecting the popularity of the ‘Artists in Purbeck’ exhibition.  It had generated increased income in admissions, Gift Aid, cafe and shop. 

The ‘May Morris’ exhibition (textiles and embroidery) launched in April 2025 was well presented and the ‘Artist as Witness’ exhibition was scheduled for October, with a funded catalogue.

The Museum submitted their latest Accreditation return to the Arts Council England. This sets standards for governance, collections care and user experience and was a requirement for important museum activity such as inter-museum loans and grants. The result would be heard in August 2025.

The Russell-Cotes had considerable success with grant applications including:

·       £1,500,817 for building repairs from ACE MEND Round 4 subject to BCP Council approval;

·       £30,000 from Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art for a research curator into the tempera revival at the Russell-Cotes;

·       £8,000 acquisition grant for prints from the Hallett Prize;

• The museum had also received small awards for bicycle racks and £3000 for sculpture refurbishment.

RESOLVED that The Management Committee accepts the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum Update report for the period 1 October 2024 – 31 March 2025

Voting: Unanimous