WHAT ARE MUSEUMS FOR?
Debate tackles a burning issue for modern museums
Should museums be made accessible to everyone or preserved as hallowed spaces for quiet contemplation? Are collections more important than people or should visitors be the primary consideration? A debate to be held at the Merseyside Maritime Museum on 17 May 2007 explores these thorny issues currently facing museums in the UK.
Speakers at the debate include writer James Delingpole, National Museums Liverpool Director David Fleming, Kids in Museums Director Dea Birkett and David Barrie of the Art Fund. The debate promises to be a vibrant exploration of the issues, chaired by the Telegraph’s radio critic and National Museums Liverpool trustee Gillian Reynolds.
James Delingpole kicked off the debate last year when he wrote an article entitled ‘What are Museums For?’ bemoaning the family friendly approach to museums adopted by National Museums Liverpool and other institutions. The essay won the Charles Douglas-Home Memorial Trust Award and was published in the Times in March 2006.
Writer and journalist Dea Birkett set up Kids in Museums when her young son was thrown out of the Royal Academy for being too noisy. The organisation has gone on to launch the hugely successful Family-Friendly Museum Award in partnership with the Guardian.
David Fleming has long been a supporter of access for all in museums and has seen huge rises in visitor figures at National Museums Liverpool since his appointment as Director in 2001. He puts this down in part to a more inclusive approach to attracting audiences.
During his tenure at the Art Fund David Barrie has been outspoken about the need for museums and galleries to invest in collections and has expressed concern about museums prioritising access over acquisitions.
Spaces are limited, for a free place please contact rsvp@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk or call 0151 478 4402 (24 hour answerphone).
The Great Museums Debate – What are Museums for?
From National Museums Liverpool and Kids in Museums
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
www.kidsinmuseums.org.uk
Kids in Museums, encouraging and supporting family-friendliness in Britain’s museums and galleries.
