ABSTRACT
The current period is one of uncertainty for museums in the UK. Unprecedented cuts in public sector funding have impacted on opening hours, public programmes, staffing levels and confidence. Changes to the bodies responsible for funding and setting the strategic direction for museums in England and Scotland have added to the uncertainty. Moves towards further devolution have fragmented the picture across the UK. In 2011 the Museums Association carried out the first comprehensive survey of the impact of cuts on museums across the UK. It showed that cuts were leading to reductions in public service. It found that nearly a quarter of museums were reducing opening hours and over half of the museums that responded were cutting staff. The Museums Association (MA) is a membership organization for people who work in museums and galleries in the UK. Its mission is to 'enhance the value of museums to society by sharing knowledge, developing skills, inspiring innovation, and providing leadership'.
