Strategy meeting

Meeting at the National Cultural Center on September 27th, 1-5 p.m.

I.            Objectives of the meeting

The aim of the meeting is to seek the opinion of museum professionals on key questions regarding the future organization of museum affairs in the country in the spirit of the new Museum Act. It is important to receive opinions and suggestions on emphases and implementation from the group. The aim of the meeting is also to work in close cooperation with the main stakeholders and to agree on a conclusion that takes into account different points of view. In this way, it is possible to contribute to the Museum Council and the museums fulfilling their role and vision.

Those interested in participating in the meeting are asked to register before September 23rd by sending an email to safnarad@safnarad.is

 II.            Agenda and meeting procedures

at 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM Introduction

The chairperson opens the meeting and reviews the purpose of the meeting.

A consultant from Capacent presents the working methods and rules of the game at the meeting

1:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Group work and discussions

4:00 PM – 4:50 PM: Presentation of results

4:50 PM – 5:00 PM: Summary and next steps

 

III.            The framework for the discussion

To make the discussion as productive and effective as possible, there will be an emphasis on three aspects;

· Strategy and vision
· Planning and management
· Individuals among stakeholders

1.        Strategy and vision

The Museum Council's policy on museum work in the country needs to be defined, along with the emphases and priorities that will be pursued, and the image that will be built in society. The key questions for policy and vision are therefore these:

  1.  What is the role of museums and what should be the manifestation of that role in society?
  2.  What are the strategic priorities for museum work in Iceland – what matters most?

2.        Organization and management

The organization and framework for museum operations must be transparent and efficient. It must be ensured that museums in this country have the capacity to implement the policy in harmony and with stakeholders. It is also important that the division of labor is clear and known to all, the dissemination of information is targeted, and the allocation of funds is transparent. Key questions for organization and management are therefore these:

  1.  The aim of the Museums Act is to increase professionalism in museum work and proposes a classification of museums for that purpose. How likely is it that this aim will be achieved with this arrangement?
  2.  What form of organizational structure in the operation of individual museums best meets the goals of the museum? What are the main advantages and disadvantages of different forms of organization?
  3.  Where should those who do not reach the point of recognition head? What should be the relationship between them and recognized museums?

 

3.        Individuals among stakeholders

Numerous individuals are behind the operation of museums. Within this group, there needs to be a certain harmony of policy and emphasis, and it is also important that the group agrees on how the role of museums towards "consumers" is fulfilled and what the emphasis is. In this light, key questions for stakeholders are these:

  1.  How can knowledge be ensured as a prerequisite for professional work in museums?
  2.  What values, attitudes and culture should characterize behavior and communication?
  3.  What should the image of museums and museum work in society be like?

 

Data that is useful to view:

  1. State cultural policy
  2. Museums Act 141/2011
  3. Comments on the draft Museums Act
  4. National Audit Office report on Icelandic antiquities and museums from 2009
  5. Museum policy in the field of national heritage preservation
  6. Master's thesis in museology – Talnasafn by Þóra Björk Ólafsdóttir

Those interested in participating in the meeting are asked to register before September 23rd by sending an email to safnarad@safnarad.is