New figures released yesterday by The Art Fund provide a snapshot of how UK museums are faring in the recession.
The report give a mixed message with visitor numbers rising steeply against a background of budget cuts. 65% of the venues taking part in the survey reported a cut in budget, while 60% of those who receive public funding expect further reductions in the next six months.
One local authority museum said that as a ‘discretionary service’ a museum was the ‘ideal area to target’ for a council facing financial problems. With visitor figures riding high, should marketing departments turn their attention to raising the profile of the service they provide in the eyes of funders?
