Future of museums and galleries agreed at Cabinet

Cabinet members have agreed a new vision for culture in Kirklees, centred on three museum venues and a commitment to increase opportunities in community and business venues, schools and care settings.
The decision for the future of museums and galleries in the district means retaining Oakwell Hall and Country Park, Bagshaw Museum and a new Huddersfield Museum and Art Gallery.
In the short term, Tolson Museum and the current art gallery will be retained to maintain a presence in south Kirklees.
Cabinet members agreed to the proposal, meaning the present Dewsbury Museum in Crow Nest Park, Tolson Museum, and Red House Museum in Gomersal will close.
Cabinet Member for Creative Kirklees Cllr Graham Turner said that the proposals had been drawn up following a period of engagement  with service users and the public.
He added: “Obviously the majority of people wanted to keep all the museums. During the budget consultation in January, 55% of people wanted the collections where they are, but 45% felt we should display exhibitions in community and business venues.
“We have responded to this in the vision by proposing a mix of site based activities and other opportunities. It is clear that many residents love and value the buildings we have, but if we do not close any of the sites it will be impossible to achieve the savings we need to make.  With a constantly diminishing budget, we have to change the cultural offer but I believe the changes will ensure that we can deliver a service for the residents of Kirklees that tells our story, in a different and more up to date way.
“In July, we had a three week engagement programme to provide information about our financial challenges. Whilst an online survey with 920 responses – plus letters, comments and emails –showed that most people wanted to keep all of the museums, the overall survey responses did not suggest an alternative to the three sites we have identified.”
Cllr Turner added: “Changing lifestyles and increasing culture and leisure choices mean that the museum and galleries service needs to radically transform if it is to be relevant and resilient in the 21st century and make an impact on the district’s priorities.
“It is vital that Kirklees continues to support a strong cultural offer.  The future resilience of towns and cities relies on mixed uses of retail, residential and culture and leisure opportunities.  If companies look for recreational opportunities in a place and residents wish to have a choice of things to do, a quality cultural offer becomes an important ingredient in creating quality places which contribute to achieving a resilient economy.”
Expressions of interest will be invited for those museums not included in the final portfolio. Red House and Dewsbury Museum will stay open until at least the end of October 2016.
Oakwell Hall and Bagshaw will continue to operate and long term plans will be drawn up for them to increase their attraction to visitors. Tolson Museum and Huddersfield Art Gallery will continue to operate until a replacement is nearing completion.