We are currently receiving a number of enquiries about the availability of emergency funding to assist volunteer-run museums with ongoing costs during closures due to the pandemic. Closures will have an impact on museum and gallery finances, as operating expenses such as insurances, security, fire protection, telephone and internet services are fixed.
Many volunteer managed museums generate over 75% of operating income from museum admission fees.
We recommend writing a letter to your local state MP as they are most likely to be involved in allocating any funds toward future financial support packages.
We also suggest you send a copy to the Arts Minister, Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian, contact details can be found here.
We have put together a template for a letter to your local MP outlining the impact of the closures on museum finances. Our sincere thanks to Port Macquarie Museum for their initiative in preparing a letter for their local MP, for sharing it with us and for permitting us to use their content.
If you do send a letter to your local MP, please send a copy to us so that we can keep Create NSW informed.
The Department of Communities and Justice is currently conducting a survey looking at the impact of COVID-19 on NSW volunteer organisations. They would like to understand the impact it is having on your volunteers as well as your volunteer-based programs, services and activities. Find out more
Image courtesy of Marco Verch
