Museum director’s report ‘impressive’

Press, 16 December 1988, Page 5

Museum director’s report ‘impressive’

By

ANABRIGHT HAY

A Canterbury Museum Trust Board sub-commit-tee will decide how recommendations in a re-

port on overseas museums can be implemented at the museum.

At yesterday’s trust board meeting, members discussed briefly some of the points raised in a 36page report on museums in North America and Britain written by the museum’s assistant director, Mr Anthony Savill.

Mr Savill wrote the report after returning from a four-month research and museum study tour this year during which he visited 54 overseas museums and galleries. The report outlines how a number of overseas museums raise money and support themselves by encouraging corporate sponsorship of exhibitions, museum membership schemes and hosting social and business functions among museum displays. Mr Pat Harrow was im-

pressed with the report which addresses the issue of admission charges, a policy he wants to see the museum adopt. While several board members see the introduction of admission charges as inevitable many believe the time is not right. The uncertainty on the future form of local government and the fact that the museum restoration is incomplete were given as reasons to postpone a decision.

The commercial thrust of Mr Savill’s report, and the possibility of charging for museum services and facilities once visitors were inside the museum, met with greater board approval. Members agreed many of the ideas used in overseas museums to attract visitors, raise public awareness of museums and make money, could be adopted here.

As the report was considered too lengthy and comprehensive to discuss in detail yesterday, a

group of board members will refine it with Mr Savill and make recommendations at a future meeting.

Restoration costs The importance of keeping local authorities informed on the progress of restoration work was emphasised by Mr Stephen Barker. He raised the point following a discussion on the cost estimates for Stage Two of the restoration project.

The board has decided in principle to proceed with Stage Two and is investigating how to raise a loan of $605,000 to finance the balance of the Stage Two costs. The costings include the installation of a new first floor to be built above the Canterbury Village which would provide 1200 sq m of display space at an estimated cost of $199,000. The museum’s restoration appeal has raised $1,532,669 and Stage One is due to be opened in March.