The new Parliamentary term
It was certainly a lively start to the new Parliamentary term. A good settlement for DCMS in the Comprehensive Spending Review meant that we were able to announce a real terms increase in funding for the Arts Council and the national museums and galleries. It’s not so many weeks ago that the sector was being asked to model five per cent cash cuts in their income – to have turned this round so well is a tribute not just to the present – and previous – Secretaries of State, but most of all to the cultural sector itself. We lead the world in artistic and cultural excellence and nothing, as they say, succeeds like success.
In the midst of it all, after an early morning Select Committee appearance, I enjoyed an eclectic visit to Yorkshire. First stop was the wonderful York Minster, to join senior figures from the tourism industry as they launched VisitEngland. This new body will bring together the many different voices within our very successful visitor economy, to help promote England’s diverse attractions. Since becoming tourism Minister I have been struck by the fact that 80% of our tourism comes from the domestic market – surely a great testament to the richness on offer on our doorsteps, - and of course more sustainable in our efforts to mitigate climate change..
The launch couldn’t have been in a more splendid setting. On a glorious autumn afternoon the light danced around the Central Tower and the magnificent stained glass glowed. I was pleased to hear from the Dean of York Minster, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, about the painstaking restoration work, partly funded by a Lottery Heritage Fund grant, which will conserve it for future generations.
As a great fan of social history, I was fascinated by a tour of the Yorkshire Film Archive. Staff there are very focused on education and finding creative ways to make a contribution to their community. An example of this was showing archive footage such as family meal times to help disenfranchised young people with no experience of the traditional family unit. It helped them understand a concept they had sadly never witnessed.
But the highlight for me had to be a magnificent training video produced for a particular Party’s political canvassers in the1950s.
A treasure to be enjoyed bythe 2007 Canvassers as they pound the streets.
South in Sheffield it was heartbreaking to see the extent of the flood damage at the Kelham Island museum. This summer’s floods brought devastation and despair to many people. Seeing first hand the impact of the floods on the museum here in Sheffield, I was really impressed by the dedication and determination shown by those working on the restoration and conservation of the collections. I extend my thanks and admiration to all those involved, particularly
John Hamshere - Executive Director of Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust
Nick Dodd - Chief Executive of Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
Annie Mauger - Chief Executive, MLA Yorkshire
Kim Street - Curator of Social History, SGMT
and wish them all the best in their efforts to return to normal.