Staff at Barnsley Museums Cannon Hall Museum, Worsbrough Mill Museum and the Cooper Gallery are celebrating after the sites were all awarded Full Accreditation Status by Arts Council England. To achieve this award, a museum must demonstrate high standards in looking after the collections, enabling people to view, enjoy and research collections and stories, and effectively managing the museum, working towards a sustainable future.
These three Barnsley museums first achieved Accredited status in 2008 under the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, and applications for the new scheme under Arts Council England were sent in April 2013. The Accreditation Panel made the awards on 19 September 2013.
Cllr Roy Miller, Cabinet spokesperson for Development, Environment and Culture, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Barnsley’s Museums. It is a demonstration of the high quality of engagement with the public, museum management and collections care which is present in our Arts, Museums and Archives Service and is a credit to the team.”
The Accreditation Scheme sets nationally agreed standards for museums in the UK. There are currently just under 1,800 museums participating in the scheme, demonstrating their commitment to managing collections effectively for the enjoyment and benefit of users. The scheme is regarded as one of the most innovative and effective developments in the museum sector. It has led the way in raising museum standards in the UK, and has been used as a model and source of inspiration for similar schemes overseas.
An application for Accreditation will shortly be made for the new museum at Experience Barnsley in the town hall.
For further information and a photo opportunity, please contact Natalie Murray, Collections Manager for the Arts, Museums and Archives Service at nataliemurray@barnsley.gov.uk
Pictured is Natalie Murray, Collections Manager for Barnsley Arts, Museums and Archives Service, holding the Accreditation Certificate for the Cooper Gallery.
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