FINANAICAL SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT
TO THE MUSEUM POLICY

 

 

The government puts many resources into museum policy, including finance. As it aims at making use of heritage to contribute to the culture and economy of the country, it invested over £25 million in the properties between 2006/07 and 2010/11. Successfully, the earned income of the museums rocketed by 85% in 10 years and 11 million people visit English Heritage sites each year.

 

 

Museums in the UK are classified into several types, depending on how they are owned, managed and funded. For example, national museums, run and funded directly by the central government of each UK nation, are generally larger institutions that hold collections considered to be of national importance. And the DCMS is the responsible department. Other than the government, registered charities and educational establishments run museums too. Though some museums are not funded directly by the state, they may receive support through government programmes.

 

 

A scholar, Hooper Greenhill (2004), indicates that the funding of the UK government to the museums is based on the achievements and social values of the museums. In other words, the government tries to be active in taking part in social and cultural activities and goals rather than simply provide funding passively. For instance, in 2011/2012, although British Museum and Natural History Museum faced budget cutting of the government, they could still obtain £46m and £49m for operation and development. From the case, we can see how supportive the UK government is in museum policy.