Derby City Council is currently undergoing a major transformation of its Museums service. SLC have been appointed to provide the Council with specialist support linked to project managing the programme, providing business planning and bid management support for a Major Grants Application to Arts Council England (ACE). SLC is working closely with Winckworth Sherwood who are supporting the Council in preparing for the creation of a new Trust organisation which will come into being in April 2012.
Running in parallel with the creation of a new Trust, the Derby Museum Transformation Programme incorporates other exciting developments include the reopening and refurbishment of the Silk Mill, site of the world’s first factory as a sustainable hub of creative energy linked to science, technology, engineering and maths.
There is a major programme of refurbishments and new exhibitions planned for the Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Additionally and unique to Derby is the Joseph Wright collection, which heralded the enlightenment movement and captured the spirit and invention of Derby’s role in leading the industrial revolution. The new Trust aims to develop this world class art collection through a new International Institute. It is forging stronger partnerships within the city to position itself as a catalyst for the social and economic regeneration of the City.
Linked to this the service is also embarking on a community programme which will be at the heart of the development of even stronger links with local communities, interest groups and schools. The service is also partnering with other major organisations within the region to lead and support the Museums and Heritage sector in transforming their own services and ‘do a Derby.’
SLC Associate Hilary McGowan, one of the UK’s leading Museum experts in developing museums services is working alongside Duncan and the team and leading on major funding bids. SLC has also placed some specialist interim management support to bolster the capacity of the Programme Team as conversion to Trust status draws near.
SLC will be working closely with the inspirational Stuart Gillis, who is leading the Derby Museums Transformation Programme. Stuart was the former Director of the Waterways Trust and is a leading thinker in the Museums sector. Commenting on SLC’s appointment, Stuart Gillis said. “This is the most trying of times for any cultural organisation. The understanding and methodology that SLC have brought to our own transformation programme has been exceptional. Leading your team through a major change can be a lonely experience, but I always feel there is ready support – exactly when I need it.”
Duncan Wood-Allum said “It’s a real privilege for SLC to be working alongside Stuart and his team in what is the most exciting time for the Derby Museum Service. We have assembled a very talented team to support this programme. Our focus is to optimise the potential the new Trust to establish itself as a sustainable, outward facing and innovative service. We have been inspired by the emerging vision of the service as a strategic cultural leader, through its core role in inspiring the people of Derby to embrace creativity, ingenuity and enterprise in the new economy through connections with its proud industrial heritage.”
For further information on how SLC can support your organisation’s transformation, contact us here or call 01444 459927.