Sector Census – FAQ

How will the data be used?  
The Census information helps build a clear picture of the sector and strengthens advocacy for the support, funding, and services organisations need.

This year’s Census will also focus on identifying the key challenges, risks, and opportunities facing museums and heritage organisations across NSW.

The information collected will assist Museums & Galleries of NSW in advocating on behalf of the sector and informing future policy, programs, and services. It also provides valuable evidence to support local and state government planning and investment in cultural infrastructure.

Is my organisation required to participate?
Participation in the Census is voluntary. However, we strongly encourage all museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural centres in New South Wales to take part. The more organisations that participate, the more accurate and representative the picture of the sector will be, strengthening our ability to advocate for funding, policy development and support on your behalf.

What do I need to get started?
Most of the information required relates to your organisation’s operations during the last 12-month reporting period (whether that is a calendar year or financial year), including visitation, staffing, volunteers, income, expenditure and collections. Having access to annual reports, financial records and visitation statistics will help you complete the Census more efficiently. If some information is unavailable, estimates are acceptable where indicated.

We recommend you have the following internal documents available, to assist you with answering the questions:

  • Annual Report
  • Previous grant acquittals
  • Visitation statistics
  • Exhibition program
  • Details on your collection
  • Details on staffing and volunteers

When can I access the results?
We anticipate the final report will be completed and released in early 2027.
all respondents who complete the census and supply a contact email will be notified of its release. 

Where can I go for questions? 
If you have any further questions, please email comms@mgnsw.org.au

COLLECTIONS

How many items do you have in your collection/s? Please estimate if you are unsure of the exact amount.    

When estimating collection size, generally items in a set of multiples, such as a tea set or a game with multiple pieces, would be counted as a single item. Archives, supplementary material and supporting photos and documentation are generally not counted as items.

What is the total monetary ($AU) value of your collection?
Please enter the value in millions. If the value is less that 1 million use decimals

We know that collections are unique and priceless and that putting a monetary figure against them is arbitrary. However, if you are able to answer with an amount, we strongly encourage you to do so. Having figures we can use when communicating with government agencies and others outside the sector is very helpful for us to support advocacy for more funding, training and collection care measures.

Please identify any current risks to your collection

Most organisations face risks to the care of their collections, so responding truthfully is not a judgement on your organisation. This question helps us understand pressing needs and helps us advocate on your behalf.

PROGRAMS

Do you count visitor attendances?

Providing visitor numbers helps us demonstrate the impact of museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural centres across the state.

We have also asked you about tourist visitation, which helps us demonstrate the economic value of cultural tourism.

We understand that only a few organisations have the resources to collect and collate postcodes from visitors, but we encourage you to estimate numbers if possible.

RESOURCES

How many full-time equivalent (FTE) paid staff were employed during the last annual reporting period?

The Full Time Equivalent (FTE) definition refers to the equivalent number of full-time employees a company has. For example, if your company considers 38 hours full-time, and has two employees working 19 hours per week, this would account for 1.0 FTE.

By providing figures on the number of people employed, you will help us build a picture of employment in the sector to share with government and funding bodies.

What was your annual operating budget in the last reporting period?

Your annual operating budget should include all costs to run the organisation in the last reporting period. This includes all staffing and volunteer costs; collection management costs; programming costs and building management costs. Please also include all costs attached to grant funded programs