Western Australian Public Collections

Public collections provide opportunities to reflect on, explore and experience our many stories.  These opportunities will be supported through a new suite of programs commencing in early 2008.  

In August of 2003, the Minister for Culture and Arts, the Hon Sheila McHale MLA, appointed a Museum Policy Reference Group chaired by the Hon Peter Watson MLA, to advise on matters to do with collections of Western Australia’s material heritage.  

The Museum Policy Reference Group Report presented 16 key recommendations for how the Western Australian Government can assist this sector to fulfil its potential and provide quality experiences in accessing collections.  For the purpose of implementation, the Department of Culture and the Arts has distilled the recommendations into 3 key actions:

1.  Advocate and support nationally endorsed projects at the Cultural Ministers’ Council.  

This will mean increased support for the Collections Council of Australia (CCA), a commitment to pilot the Regional Hub Project proposed by the CCA and increased funding for the repatriation of Indigenous cultural property.

2.  Strengthen relationships with key partners, Museums Australia WA and the Royal Western Australian Historical Society.

Department of Culture and the Arts will work with key partners on strategic projects.

3.  Expand grant opportunities for collections development via the following pilot funding:

• An additional $70,000 available through existing Department of Culture and the Arts grant programs: Emerging Curators and Short Term Artist in Residence.
• New funding of $80,000 specifically for development projects.

A Committee, comprising broad representation, will be formed to provide input into the further development and implementation of the action plan.

Contact

For more information contact the Senior Policy Officer Cultural Programs at the Department of Culture and the Arts via email or phone +61 8 9224 7300.