Another Win for Winchester City Council's Museum Service
Following the recent success of gaining national accreditation from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, Winchester City Council's Museum Service has had more good news this week. Following a competitive application process, Visitor Services Manager Sher Kent has been awarded a bursary of £4,000 to participate in an intensive development programme by the South East regional museum, library and archive council SEMLAC.The course is specifically designed to increase skills and knowledge relating to fundraising. It takes place over a year and is divided between SEMLAC offices in Winchester, and venues in London. The highlight is a week-long residential course called the National Arts Fundraising School, which is one of the most highly regarded professional development schemes for the arts and heritage sector in the country.
Sher's bursary award comes at a perfect time for Winchester City Council. Head of Cultural Services Eloise Appleby commented, "We are always conscious of the need to run our services as efficiently as possible, but these days there is particular sensitivity over rising council tax bills. By training key staff to a high level in fundraising we hope to pay for some of our service developments through grants and sponsorship. In the past there has perhaps been a reluctance to seek this kind of support, but we see great potential in developing closer relationships with the private sector - relationships which deliver benefits on both sides and go well beyond a simple financial transaction."
Sher has worked for the museum service for the past four years and in her current role for two. She commented, "I am thrilled to be given this honour as there was considerable competition across the south east for this prestigious award. I am looking forward to completing the training and putting what I learn into action throughout the service. I am also keen to share what I learn with colleagues across the City Council and with other museums and attractions in the Winchester District."