National Museum of Australia review of exhibitions and public programs
The Review of Exhibitions and Public Programs of the National Museum of Australia (NMA) will examine the aims and content of the NMA's exhibitions and programs, as well as considering priorities for future development.
Members of the Review Panel are:
- Dr John Carroll, Reader in Sociology, La Trobe University (Chair);
- Mr Richard Longes, Director, Investec Australia Ltd;
- Dr Philip Jones, Senior Curator of Anthropology, South Australian Museum; and
- Dr Patricia Vickers-Rich, Director, Monash Science Centre.
The Panel is consulting widely, by calling for submissions as well as holding interviews with historians, academics and key stakeholders. It is expected that the Panel will report to the NMA Chairman within four to six months.
The Terms of Reference to be considered by the Panel are:
1. Examine the aims and content of the Museum's exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, and schools and public programs. The examination will include the following:
(ii) whether the Government's vision in approving funding for the development of the Museum has been realised.
2. Consider and make recommendations on the future priorities to be addressed by the Museum, including the continuing relevance of its Act, in the development of permanent and temporary exhibitions and schools and public programs.
In deciding to fund construction of the Museum at Acton Peninsula, Canberra, the Government's intention was that the Museum would be an institution combining the best contemporary techniques with new media technologies, in order to offer a range of experiences of wide appeal. There were to be permanent, changing and travelling exhibitions and blockbusters, and it was intended that audiences beyond Canberra would be reached using information and communication technologies.
The Museum was also to establish partnerships with state, regional and international cultural institutions, in order to draw from the diversity of heritage collections existing throughout Australia. The opening exhibitions in the social history spaces were to celebrate the Centenary of Federation and the key themes of Australian society, to reflect on and celebrate our journey as a nation. It was envisaged that research facilities, and the collections, would be accessible to scholars, students and communities, for research and re-interpretation.
Useful documents and links: