1.0 INTRODUCTION Kildare County Council in association - Kildare.ie

AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006
• The care and management of collections has been identified as a critical aspect of improving
the museum sector in the county. The areas of conservation, storage, monitoring, displaying,
security and handling of artifacts
• The provision of support in setting up a group network of museums and organizations to
share experiences and difficulties with a view to overcoming these difficulties and
establishing a co-operative approach to the promotion of all organizations.
• Promotion of joint projects and initiatives that will fulfill the mission statement of organizations
and develop a greater public awareness.
• A loans network to share a rotating collection of artifacts specific to County Kildare. This will
be of particular relevance to heritage centres with limited collections and limited ability to
manage and maintain permanent collections. Training in the development of this programme
can be facilitated, through an annual Kildare museums symposium that may allow for the
following:
- Participating museums present papers on their origins and collections
- Share innovative ideas on management and funding
- Discussion on establishment of roving temporary exhibition (incl. content, exhibits, etc.)
- Discussion on establishment of Co. Kildare Museums Website
- Allow for development of on-going training and improvements
- Call for donations of important artifacts of regional relevance
• Solving financial difficulties is a universal problem for all organizations. Following an
optimistic period of expansion in the museum sector in the last 30 years many are now
experiencing difficulties in obtaining funding. Capital funding appears to be more readily
available than funding for day-to-day operational costs which puts many organizations under
severe pressure. There is great need for training in the methods of fundraising and financial
management.
• Many organizations were established because of the enthusiasm of individuals or groups of
people, though perhaps without a clear idea of what the organization can offer the general
public. Consolidation and development of the remit and raison d’etre of organizations and
focusing their future direction is required.
• Workshops in administrative skills including day-to-day management, communication, staff
and volunteer coordination should be considered.
• The provision of less restrictive grant mechanisms has been expressed by one organization,
however this is not feasible. This does, however, suggest that many organizations are
overwhelmed by the variety of grant funding mechanisms available and the varied qualifying
criteria which can be confusing. There is scope within a training programme to developing
successful approaches to grant applications and the various grant funding that are on offer.
• Development of a “museum trail” for County Kildare can be prepared through developing a
network of museums, perhaps a county committee on museums, with a view towards
developing a self-sustaining sector.
• The provision of improved highly visible road signage to direct tourists to museums and
visitor attractions throughout the county.
• The development of a County Kildare museums website that could be managed and
maintained by committee comprising participating museums may provide a dynamic
marketing and educational strategy for the sector in the county. The Northern Ireland
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 41