We aim to develop capacity and sustainability in the sector by channeling investment into museums, libraries and archives and by improving viability, to ensure that they are more sustainably resourced.

We are currently involved with the sector in the following areas:

• Improving its ability to deliver strategic services
• Increasing its capacity to deliver effective services
• Improving the quality and success of funding bids
• Identifying sustainable and innovative business models

Supporting these aims are a number of programmes:

New Ways of Curating

New Ways of Curating is an exciting new programme, joint-funded by MLAWM and ACEWM to explore innovative projects that demonstrate the impact of the visual arts and mla sector working more closely together.

This is a long-term project with the research being facilitated by consultants Jim Grevatte and Susie O-Reilly which will result in a final report outlining a method of working and a funding bid to ACEWM for Phase 2 of the project. Themes that are emerging span the shared arenas of public engagement, collections/art form development, organisational development and professional development.

The four partners are: Sandwell Museum Service and Multistory; The Wedgwood Museum Trust and Chase Terrace Technology School; Compton Verney and the New Art Gallery Walsall. More information

Securing Our Future - Discussion Paper:

We are seeking responses to this Discussion Paper from anyone with an interest in the future of the wider cultural sector across the West Midlands. The Paper is an attempt to capture some of the thinking that took place during the ‘Securing Our Future’ roadshow which explored issues affecting the ability of cultural organisations to become and remain viable businesses. More info

The Entrepreneurial Museum

In a world where traditional barriers between brands and consumers are rapidly being broken down, this provides a great opportunity for museums to engage on a very individual level.

We invite you to join the discussion, or receive weekly bite-size ideas and resources direct to your inbox, by registering at: www.theEntrepreneurialMuseum.com