The Standards Review Committee has just had their 2017 mid-year meeting, so we thought it was a good opportunity to update everyone on what is happening in the program this year.

The Standards Review Program is a nine month program M&G NSW runs each year which helps museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural centres benchmark themselves against the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries. Participants are given access to expert advice and mentorship from our specially appointed Standards Reviewers.

The program is designed especially for small to medium museums and galleries – it focuses on energising these under-resourced organisations to expand their horizons when it comes to managing organisations, engaging with the community and caring for their collections.

This year’s group is very enthusiastic and they are already part way through a range of activities designed to demonstrate their understanding of museum and gallery best practice. They have commenced a thorough self-audit of their practice against the National Standards.

We have had introductory sessions with all the participants and it has been fantastic to get to know a bit more about the incredibly diverse small to medium museums and galleries in NSW. We highly recommend a visit to all the particpating organisations.

Six organisations are going through the Standards Program this year:

• Fleet Air Arm Museum, Nowra
• Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, Huskisson
• Miss Porter’s House, National Trust, Newcastle
• Saumarez Homestead, Armidale
• Shoalhaven City Arts Centre, Nowra
• Wadjar Regional Aboriginal Gallery at Yarrawarra Cultural Centre, Corindi Beach

Some facts about the Standards Review Program:

• 134 museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural centres have taken part in the program
• The program was first delivered in 2003
• Similar programs are delivered in South Australia by History SA and in Queensland by Museums & Galleries Queensland.
• The program is based on the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries through which organisations assess their practice and delivery in areas of management, community engagement and collection care.
• Participants of the Standards Program are eligible to use the Standards badge as identification of their Standards attainment.