Government ceases funding for Collections Council of Australia |
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The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM) is dismayed to learn of the recent decision by the Cultural Ministers’ Council to cease funding the Collections Council of Australia (CCA). Over its relatively short life span (2004-2009) the CCA has achieved a great deal for the collecting sector in general, but in particular, it has highlighted the critical importance of the smaller institutions in their contribution to the vibrancy and depth of cultural collections held throughout Australia. The CCA was able to identify and clearly articulate the pressing needs of these smaller collecting organisations for assistance in maintaining and preserving these vital components of Australia’s Distributed National Collection. Through their Collecting Organisations Register the CCA has identified twice as many collecting institutions as that recorded in the ABS survey of 2004, thereby highlighting the true size of this sector and underlining the enormous contribution of these mainly volunteer run organisations. The CCA represented our varied collections sector and worked towards linking us in our endeavours in preserving and showcasing our national heritage and culture – from our larger national organisations to the smallest community museum. Australia needs a single co-ordinating body for the collections sector. It is certainly clear that our Federal and State governments need the information, advice and guidance that such a body provides. Given the relatively small size of our sector compared to other countries, it is not unreasonable to expect a peak body such as the CCA (and other bodies before it) to be able to achieve substantial successes in the support and development of the collecting sector. It is a matter of grave concern that our governments (current and preceding, federal and state) have never been able to maintain a sustained commitment to the funding of such a body, in order to allow us to achieve what we all know is possible. Kay Soderlund AICCM National President Tel: 02 9557 2395 |