Thursday 24 January 2013 Cllr Piara Singh Clair, Assistant Mayor Culture, Heritage, Leisure & Sport Liz Blyth, Director of Culture and Neighbourhood Services LEICESTER CITY COUNCIL MAKING MUSEUMS COUNT – PLACING THE SERVICE AT THE HEART OF THE COUNCIL’S AGENDA

Three Key Themes: Overview of our Museums Service Meeting Strategic Priorities Challenges and Opportunities

In the beginning……. The Service dates back to One of the first councils in the country to use 1845 Act of Parliament enabling councils to levy a halfpenny rate to establish museums The Act supported government objectives to educate the workforce and develop skills to make the country more economically competitive These objectives continue to be the guiding principles ever since

More recent history…… In 1997 Leicester became a Unitary Authority and Museums transferred from the County Council Sites include New Walk Museum, Newarke Houses Museum, Jewry Wall Museum, Abbey Pumping Station Other heritage sites include Guildhall, Belgrave Hall, Leicester Castle, Wygston’s House, Abbey Pumping Station, Magazine Gateway Programme of community events and learning activities

And today ……. Since his election in May 2010 City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has prioritised economic development through heritage and tourism Always been strong support for museums in Leicester across all parties The government’s Renaissance programme from museums from present has invested in Leicester But strong leadership from the top has been the transformational factor in making use of this asset

Case Study: Economic Impact The discovery of remains, thought to be of Richard III, is a find of global significance. The emerging story of the King in the Council Car Park has captured the worlds imagination Unique opportunity to showcase Leicester’s rich history and heritage and to tell the powerful story of the life and death of Richard III Important for civic pride, identity and sense of place, tourism, business growth and regeneration

Case Study: Children and Young People About 20,000 children visit our museums in school groups Curriculum linked activities valued by Children’s Services and Schools General visits by children are often the motivation for families to visit When we re-opened our Dinosaur Gallery 6,000 people (most of them children) visited in one day

Continued investment in galleries, exhibits, interpretation – plans for RIII Revenue budget of £2.5m net No significant budget reductions planned – but still a challenging position Focus on efficiency – streamlining staffing structure Greater focus on income (but museum access still free) Weddings and retail – income up over 200%. New income post recruited Story of Leicester Plan - strategic direction for future Part of neighbourhoods and culture division – seeking new ways to transform services and integrate services Explored Trust status in past but strong political commitment to keep in house

What’s helped us to position the museums service? Partnerships – new projects and connections Strong leadership - driving innovation and change Champions – politicians and other key stakeholders Clear strategy and action plan Aligning museums to corporate priorities – City Mayor’s Delivery Plan, Economic Action Plan, Children’s Priority Board, Health and Well being etc Demonstrating impact – key indicators and case studies

And most importantly… Being adaptable and flexible in changing and challenging times and Keeping a focus on our customers at all times

Questions and reflections?