Minutes of the 67th meeting of the Museum Council – allocation meeting 2008
February 8, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
National Museum of Iceland, Suðurgata, 101 Reykjavík
Present: Margrét Hallgrímsdóttir, chairman, Halldór Björn Runólfsson, Helgi Torfason, Karl Rúnar Þórsson, Sveinn Kristinsson, Anna Þorbjörg Þorgrímsdóttir.
1. Introducing a new calculation model. The acting board of directors presented ideas for a new calculation model as a possible basis for the allocation of grants from the Museum Fund. The calculation model is based on the museums' salary costs. The advantages and disadvantages of the calculation model were discussed.
2. Overview of applications to the Museum Fund for 2008Applications from collections are discussed for eligibility according to the Museum Fund's allocation rules.
3. The impact of a new calculation model on applications to the 2008 Museum Fund. The acting board of directors presented the calculations and the main effects on 39 museums applying for the Museum Fund 2008. A comparison was made of the amount of operating grants to the museums based on the current calculation model and the new calculation model. The effects of the system were examined, discussed and assessed. It was agreed to aim to implement a new calculation model from 2009 onwards, which will determine the amount of the operating grant. A letter will soon be sent to museums with information on the assumptions on which the new calculation model is based and a presentation of the Museum Council's goals with its implementation. The acting board of directors was tasked with preparing such a letter.
4. Operating grants 2008. Decided that the 2008 allocation will be a compromise between the current criteria and the new calculation model. Grant amounts for operating grants will be determined in accordance with the new calculation model. Museums that perform poorly according to the new calculation model will, however, be given the opportunity to adjust and be allocated operating grants according to the criteria from 2007, but the grant levels will be increased. The acting board of directors has been tasked with tying up loose ends and preparing the final allocation of grants to museums at the Museum Council meeting next Thursday.
5. Project grantsIn light of the budget allocations to the Museum Fund, there is little scope to provide project grants, but the largest portion of the Museum Fund this year will go to award operating grants. Discussions and final decisions on project grants postponed until Thursday, February 14th
6. Deadline for using project funding 2007. Report of the Museum of Eastern Iceland. Approved unanimously.
7. Other issues: No further discussion took place. The next meeting of the Museum Council will be held on Thursday, February 14th.
There was no further discussion and the meeting adjourned at 16:45/AÞÞ