Sheila McHale

Sheila McHale

Minister for Disability Services; Tourism; Culture and the Arts; Consumer Protection

    WA community given greater access to public collections

    30/11/2007 1:40 PM
     
    30/11/07

    The artefacts that tell the story of Western Australia will be more accessible to the public following the announcement of new initiatives and a funding package for the sector of more than $500,000 from the State Government.

    Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said these changes would open a new chapter in State Government activity in the Public Collections sector.

    “In the past the focus has been towards Government institutions and their permanent collections but WA has a rich diversity of material cultural heritage, much of which is held in community-based and volunteer-run collections,” Ms McHale said.

    “Extra support for this sector will include an increased commitment of $60,000 to the Collections Council of Australia, $120,000 over three years to pilot a Regional Hub Collections Care project and $20,000 for publications that showcase industry best practice.

    “There will also be increased support of up to $55,000 for the repatriation of indigenous cultural property through the Cultural Ministers Council.

    “A sum of $70,000 will be invested through existing Department of Culture and the Arts grants programs, in particular the Emerging Curators and Short Term Artist in Residence programs.

    “In 2008, $80,000 in new funding will be introduced for innovative development projects across the sector.

    “Continued funding for the Royal WA Historical Society and Museums Australia WA to a total of $270,000 over three years has also been included as part of the package.

    “These changes have been implemented based on the recommendations of a review by the Museum Policy Reference Group.

    “The State Government is committed to helping protect these collections which tell Western Australians so much about who they are and where they’ve come from.

    “It is essential we ensure our cultural heritage is not lost.”

    Extra information is available from the Department of Culture and the Arts website http://www.dca.wa.gov.au or by calling Corporate Affairs on 9224 7300.

    Minister's office - 9213 6900