The impact of COVID-19 on museum operations is profound. For example, museums are facing a decline in revenue due to fewer visitors, closures, changes to programs, changes in operating procedures, and even staff reductions.
To enable the Museum Council to assess the difficulties faced by museums and staff, the Museum Council is currently collaborating with FÍSOS, ICOM in Iceland and the main museums to collect information through a survey, COVID-19 and museumsThe purpose of the survey is to gather information on how museums have responded to these unexpected circumstances from a variety of perspectives. It will enable the Museum Council and partners to identify where the shoe is pinching and provide data that will help these parties seek solutions and increase support for museums, as well as provide information to relevant stakeholders, government agencies and other organizations.
Among other things, the Museum Council will use this information to assess the financial needs of recognized museums in preparation for the 2020 additional allocation, so it is important that as many museums as possible participate.
How the data will be used
The Museum Council is responsible for the survey and retains all data. The Museum Council uses all information from the survey, but partners have access to part of the survey. Financial information is only provided to the Museum Council. FÍSOS, ICOM and the main museums do not have access to the financial information of the participating museums, as this is confidential information for the Museum Council. All information that could be classified as personally identifiable is only disclosed to partners and the Museum Council as a whole, not classified to individual museums. This survey is conducted in full consultation and with the approval of FÍSOS, ICOM and the main museums. Additional parties also provided assistance in conducting the survey.
For further information, please contact Þóra Björk Ólafsdóttir, Director of the Museums Council. thora@safnarad.is
The results of the survey will be made available to collectors in the coming weeks.