Minutes of the 94th meeting of the Museum Council –
April 15, 2010, 12:00 – 14:00, National Museum of Iceland
Present: Margrét Hallgrímsdóttir, chairman, Halldór Björn Runólfsson, Helgi Torfason, Jenný Lind Egilsdóttir, Guðný Dóra Gestsdóttir, Ágústa Kristófersdóttir.
1. Issues for discussion and decision:
1.0. Minutes of the 91st, 92nd and 93rd meetings approved and signed.
1.1. Director's report: State Bank Artwork – Memorandum and Agreement. Postponed. Review of museum policy in the field of national heritage preservationThe work is progressing well and the goal is to complete it by May 12th. Distribution ticket for the export of cultural propertyThe ticket is ready for printing, however, the number of copies and distribution need to be checked. The Museum Council's approach to a consultation project organized by the Reykjavík Art Museum. Consultation project on family visits to the museum, the director sits in on the meetings and participates in the conceptual work. Reaction to the 2010 allocation: Generally positive response, although a few informally requested further clarification. It was suggested that the criteria for project grants be better defined in the next advertisement. Icelandic Institute of Natural History at safnastarf.is: It was decided to review the definitions on the website in such a way that a distinction is made between museum, centre and exhibition and that museums that have received recognition from the Museum Council are marked separately. It also needs to be checked whether it is normal for research institutions to be advertised there. Move the homepage under the Museum Council (www.safnarad.is/safnastarf).
1.2. Changes to the legal environment for museums – draft bills introduced. Send a request to the ministry for formal consultation so that associations such as FÍSOS, ICOM, the Icelandic Society of Museum Scholars and the Icelandic Society of Art Studies receive the draft bill for comment.
1.3. Charters of 20 museums reviewed – commentsDiscuss the procedure for the review – the director compares the charters with the museum board's instructions and makes comments that will then be submitted to the museum board.
1.4. The Húnvetningar and Strandamanna Museum at Reykjar – the planned withdrawal of StrandabyggðA letter from the chairman of the museum council to the mayor of Strandabyggð was presented, requesting that the museum council be allowed to monitor the progress of the matter and pointing out that in the event of resignation, the museum's charter should be followed.
1.5. The museum policy of the Skagfjordur Museum. The museum's strategy is presented, a magnificent piece that is a credit to the museum.
1.6. Coordinated museum visitor survey: The latest version was presented and the logo on the survey was discussed. It was agreed that only the Museum Council logo will be used. The survey will start this summer.
1.7.Spring meeting of the National Museum – the leading museum in the field of national heritage preservation. The topic of the meeting was presented.
2. Items for discussion and decision:
2.1 The Maritime Museum in the Maritime Museum in Hellissandur. The Museum Council received a letter from Skúli Alexandersson requesting guidance on legally connecting with museum work in the country. It was agreed that the CEO would respond to the letter and point out that a charter needs to be drawn up and collaboration with other museums in the area encouraged. Furthermore, it was pointed out that the legal environment should be examined and followed when shaping the work.
2.2.The Húnvetningar and Strandamanni Museum – application for a project grant. The application for a project grant had failed on the electronic application form. The application was sent back to the museum board and it was agreed to provide 400,000 kr for registration projects.
2.3.The Icelandic Vintage Car Club's application for a grant for the cost of a new buildingThe Museum Council received an application from the Vintage Car Club for a grant according to Article 11 of the Museums Act – the Museum Council contacted the Ministry of Education and Culture and received the information that such a grant had already been rejected there and therefore the Museum Council rejects the application. Furthermore, the Vintage Car Club is not considered a museum nor does it operate in that way.
2.4. Application by Guðrún Ölda Gísladóttir to the Archaeological Institute of Iceland for the temporary export of artifacts for safekeeping abroad. The Museum Council received an application last autumn/winter for the export of artifacts for safekeeping abroad. Comments were received from the Icelandic Archaeological Conservation Agency and the National Museum of Iceland, and in light of the negative comment from the National Museum, the export was stopped. The Icelandic Archaeological Institute requested in late winter that the matter be reconsidered and the National Museum was asked for a new comment. The National Museum's comment, after further clarifications were received on certain issues regarding the handling and safekeeping of the artifacts, was positive regarding the export of some of the artifacts, but suggested that some of them be preserved in Iceland. Permission was granted with the restrictions proposed by the National Museum.
2.5. John Steinberg's application for the export of copper artifacts from an archaeological excavation at Stóra Seyla in Skagafjörður. Postponed.
2.6. Application for a permit to export a painting by Freymóð Jóhannesson. The Museum Council received an application on April 9th from Baldur Dagbjartsson for the export of the work Vatnsdalur in Austur Húnavatnssýsla by Freymóð Jóhannesson as a gift to the United States. A review was requested from the National Gallery of Iceland. The review from the National Gallery of Iceland was positive and permission was granted.
Other issues.
3.1.GDG asks whether travel grants for the FÍSOS continuing education course will be awarded this year. Last year's disbursements will be reviewed and the matter will be discussed at the next meeting.
3.2.The next meeting was scheduled for May 26th at 12:00.