Royal Armouries in Leeds raises 'serious reservations' to tourist charge proposals from government
The Royal Armouries has said it has “serious reservations” about government proposals to begin charging international tourists who visit national museums.
An independent review by Arts Council England (ACE) has proposed the charges and ministers are now considering the findings.
The new vision from ACE sets out ways to “break down barriers to the arts” and ensure they tell stories from every corner of the country, the Government has said.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said the reformed ACE will better ensure the arts are no longer the preserve of the privileged few.
Part of the proposals are to introduce tourist charge for national museums that receive government funding. These would not include locally funded sites, such as Leeds Art Gallery and Leeds City Museum.
The Royal Armouries, which was opened by the Queen in 1996, has strongly opposed the idea, saying they would “fundamentally undermine” what they stand for.
A statement reads: “The Royal Armouries is proud to offer free access to the world's oldest collection of arms and armour to every visitor, regardless of where they come from. We hold this collection on behalf of all people, everywhere. We remain wholly committed to that principle.
“We must be candid: we have serious reservations about this proposal. Our museums are global spaces with international collections.
“Free access is not a courtesy extended to overseas visitors; it is a statement of values.
“A two-tier entry system would fundamentally undermine our commitment to universal access, and risks projecting the United Kingdom as a nation lacking in confidence and generosity of spirit.”
‘A superficial, short-term response’
Nat Edwards, Director General and Master of the Armouries, said: "Museums like the Royal Armouries are powerful drivers of economic regeneration, pillars of soft power, and engines of national pride.
“This proposal is a superficial, short-term response to a deeper problem and offers considerably more challenges than benefits.
“The right answer is to make the full-throated case for properly and sustainably funding institutions that belong to everyone, and we look forward to doing exactly that during the consultation."
Publishing its formal response to the independent review conducted by former Labour minister Baroness Margaret Hodge, the DCMS said it will accept or explore all of the recommendations she made last year.
This includes a commitment to develop a new fund for future artists and creatives to ensure those who have had fewer opportunities are given the chance to flourish. This will sit alongside work to ensure that access to a high quality arts education is available to every child.
It also vows to maintain a strong, politically impartial and independent Arts Council that remains a champion for freedom of expression and a home for diversity of ideas.
As well as the international visitor charge, the DCMS promises to shake up arts investment by incentivising philanthropy and cultural tax reliefs. It will also support the Arts Council with up to £8 million to reform its systems and simplify its application processes.
Dame Hodge’s review last year concluded there were an “unacceptably high level of bureaucracy” in ACE and noted that a “perceived political interference” was stifling creativity and damaging trust.
“We will stand alongside the Arts Council as they implement these reforms to revolutionise the way we fund the arts in this country and the way we work with creatives and the public to provide the access to culture that our country needs, wants and deserves.”
‘Seize the opportunity’
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “For far too long, the benefits of culture have not been equally distributed.
“I refuse to sit back while communities are forgotten in our national story. Change must start today.
“That change begins with a culture sector that is proud and unafraid to tell the whole story of our nation.
“A reformed and independent Arts Council will sit at the heart of this vision to reach, inspire and nurture young people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to be creative, let alone pursue a creative career.
“We must seize the opportunity we have to build a culture sector that works for the whole country and provides the tonic we need in the face of division.”