ACTIVE PROMOTION OF GOVERNMENT
IN MUSEUM MANAGEMENT AND CURATORSHIP  

 

 

England has thought of how to actively manage the museums since early 1980s. Passing the national responsibility for the historic environment to a semi-autonomous agency to operate with greater efficiency but under ministerial guidelines and to government policy was raised. Eventually, in 1984, the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission (‘English Heritage’) was created to secure the preservation and enhancement of the man-made heritage, and to directly manage the sites. It is now backed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and is the government's statutory adviser on planning applications affecting Grade I and II* listed buildings. Its establishment reveals the active promotion of the UK in protecting and making good use of heritage.

 

 

The National Heritage Protection Plan is responsible for prioritising and delivering heritage protection. Vulnerable historic environment is safeguarded in the most cost-effective way at a time of massive social, environmental, economic and technological change. The policies of the museums are constantly in line with new legislation and developments in best practice.[1] Owning certain degree of autonomy with partial governmental control, the museums can adapt the most suitable approach according to their situations. The government also encourages people to donate items of cultural and historical importance in full or part payment of tax, through the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme, which promotes public responsibility and participation in heritage protection and preservation.

 

 

Similar to England, most Hong Kong public museums are managed by the government. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) runs 14 museums and 5 other cultural venues, each one unique in its focus. It intends to offer inspiring art, history and science experiences to be enjoyed by all as well as a lifelong learning platform for the community to foster their imagination and creativity.[2]

 

 

Although there are Museum Advisory Panels for a few museums, they simply raise suggestions to LCSD but are not officially a part of the museum. Its role and power is unclear and weak. The establishment of museum management committee has never been carried out though it has been discussed for a number of years. Without an independent organization to manage, and set up strategies and expected outcomes, LCSD failed to achieve improvements.

 

 

 

[1] http://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/management/museum_governance.aspx

[2] http://www.museums.gov.hk/en_US/web/portal/about-us.html