ALMA UK: Opportunities and Benefits of International Working Nick Poole, CEO, Collections Trust 20/03/2014

Aims for today Introduce the Collections Trust Review benefits & opportunities of international work Explore the role of UK Professional Standards Identify EC Funding Opportunities Identify strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/threats Discuss the role of National Agencies Answer your questions! Benefit from your ideas

Collections Trust UK & international professional association for people working with Collections & Technology Key strategic aims: Develop the Collections workforce Advocate the value of good Collections Management Build Digital Capacity Connect the public with Collections Deliver an excellent organisation

International Strategy Established in 2008, our International Strategy is to: Import knowledge, expertise and professional practice from overseas & share it with the UK community Export UK knowledge & expertise to other countries Develop international partnerships & seek opportunities for international investment/projects

International highlights Network of 23,000 museums, libraries, archives & hybrid organisations using the UK SPECTRUM standard EUR20m in successful European Commission projects since 2007 Commercial partnerships with 14 overseas/international companies Chair of the Europeana Network, 900 Creative & Cultural Industry Partners across Europe

International partnerships Smithsonian Institution, USA South African Heritage Resources Agency, South Africa Finnish Heritage Association, Finland Swedish Heritage Board, Sweden Norwegian Arts Council, Norway Pinacoteca do Estado & SESC, Sao Paolo, Brazil German Museums Association, Germany Rijksdiesnt Cultureel Erfgoed, Amersfoort, Netherlands Ministere de la Culture et Communication, France

UK culture worldwide The UK is a leading force in the international professional community. We are a net exporter of value, knowledge and expertise. Agencies and institutions worldwide look to our standards and best practices to develop their own cultural infrastructure. However, working internationally still represents a significant investment risk for most UK cultural heritage institutions.

UK cultural exports Professional standards Collections & collections-related knowledge Digital cultural content Creative ideas Exhibitions Technical expertise Skilled people

Professional standards The UK Museum Accreditation Scheme is used as a baseline by the international community SPECTRUM is recognised as the de facto industry standard for Collections Management The Government Indemnity Scheme guidelines (along with the AAM Environmental Standard) define loans & environmental practice worldwide UK expertise is regularly sought for participation in ISO/CEN/Euronorm standards development

EC Funding Creative Europe programme has funded EURm in cultural exchange/exhibitions ICT Policy Support Programme has invested EUR11m in 19 UK organisations since 2011 “What the EC can’t legislate for, it funds...” A strong focus on promoting European/Enlightenment values, economic growth and soft diplomacy

EC Funding Horizon 2020 is an EUR80bn 6-year funding programme Focussed on smart, sustainable growth by connecting culture, SME, innovation & academia Opportunities in 2014 limited, but become significant in 2015 JPI Cultural Heritage funding large-scale cultural heritage research & innovation

SWOT Strengths Language Quality of collections & stewardship Established sector standards Leading global cultural brands Leading Museum Studies courses Early-adopter advantage w technology Weaknesses Lack of Government support Insularity Highly diversified sector Complex labour/immigration laws Lack of visa exemptions Lack of financial support to mitigate investment risk Opportunities New collaborative partnerships Driving inward investment & tourism Importing professional expertise Exporting unused capacity Opening up new knowledge about collections Threats Under-investment in professional standards undermines leadership Too many small players invest without a clear ROI Austerity leads to ‘batten down the hatches’ mentality

Benefits of international work New perspectives & energy Valuing a currently under-valued asset Continuing Professional Development New insights into Collections New investment/funding opportunities New revenue streams Audience development PR value with stakeholders

The role of National Agencies Identify ‘International’ as an opportunity Combat the Small Island(s) mentality Provide strategic & financial support to underwrite the risk of international engagement Long-term developmental support, not short-term engagement support Engage with British Council, UKTI & BIS to open up advocacy & opportunities

Come to OpenCulture 2014! 400 international delegates from 20+ countries discussing partnership opportunities June 2014, Kia Oval, London

Contact Nick Poole Chief Telephone: +44 (0)