Agenda item

This report updates Members on the current progress of the York Museums Trust (YMT) towards meeting the targets agreed in the Partnership Delivery Plan.

Members received a report that updated them on the current progress of the York Museums Trust (YMT) towards meeting the targets agreed in the Partnership Delivery Plan. The Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer were in attendance to present the Performance Update Report for the period October 2013 to March 2014.

With regard to work at the Castle Museum, Members were advised that the new exhibition in Debtors Prison was due to open soon. Works undertaken had included the refurbishment  of 1^st and 2^nd floors which had resulted in the museum becoming more streamlined in terms of visitor flow and had also provided the opportunity to look closely at the museums collections. Committee Members were invited to attend the formal opening of the new exhibition which they were advised would take place on 16^th July.

Members asked for an update on the implementation of the recommendations arising from the previously undertaken YMT scrutiny review.

With regard to the Art Gallery Project, the Committee were informed that good progress was being made and it was now possible to get a good idea of the space. The Chief Executive invited Members to view the works being undertaken. Members  felt this would be beneficial and it was agreed that a visit be arranged.

Members were provided with an update on the Exhibition Square Development and the development of the gardens behind the Art Gallery and they were advised that the same landscape gardener was working on both these developments in order to provide continuity.

The Chief Executive acknowledged that the cut in budgets would require them to think radically, consider any restructuring needed and give consideration to new income streams. She explained that they would like to take forward a YMT supporter scheme and were currently doing some research into models across the country, with the other option of building on the joint ticket option which currently allows entry to the Castle Museum and Yorkshire Museum. She explained there was a need to change the perception of the Trust and reposition YMT in the public mind as a charity which needed to be supported.

With regard to stabilising visitor figures during the six months to March 2014, Members noted an one percent increase overall in visitor figures which included a 26 percent increase at the Yorkshire Museum. The acknowledged that the Castle Museum had seen a 3 percent decrease in visitor figures but accepted that this could be due to part of the museum being closed during its major redevelopment and that the drop in visitors to St Mary’s was likely to be due to York Art Gallery being closed. Members commended the increase in visits by York school children.

Resolved:           (i)      That the performance of the York Museums Trust be commented on and noted.

                   (ii)      That Committee Members be invited to a tour of the Art Gallery in order to see the works in progress.

                   (ii)      That an update on the recommendations of the previous scrutiny review be provided at a future meeting of the committee as part of the next bi-annual Performance report.

Reason:     To fulfil the Council’s role under the partnership delivery plan.