Local Government

Local government authorities (LGAs) are the most accessible level of government to small museums, and can be a source of assistance and support. Some museums are managed by LGA’s, but all can benefit from a good relationship with them. Getting to know them, identifying what to ask of them, and showing how the museum benefits the community can all assist in building a better relationship with the museum’s LGA and its council.

Get to know the museum’s LGA

In order to be able to persuade an LGA and its council to support the museum, and to improve communication, it is essential to gain an understanding of the LGA and its objectives.

• Find out what the Council’s current priorities and objectives are, particularly in relation to the community and its development
• Obtain copies of council papers and policy documents; attend meetings; check newsletters and websites
• Investigate how the Council operates. When does it meet? What are its committees and how do they work?
• Use contacts to introduce the museum to key people such as the Mayor, CEO, and elected members. Make an effort to get to know them and their interests, and the main issues each one likes to support.
• Who is in charge of the section most relevant to the museum? What processes need to be understood for the museum to put its case/proposals to the decision makers?
• What is the ‘language’ of the LGA. Gain an understanding of local government ‘speak’ so as to use it in dealings with the LGA.

Identify what to ask of them

• Clearly identify the project(s) or levels of assistance required
• See where the museum fits into the LGA’s strategic plan, programs and projects. Align requests, where possible, with the LGA’s priorities.
• Focus on economic and social benefits of the proposal to the whole community, not just to the museum
• Be realistic with requests for funds. Do the research and ensure that costings are accurate
• Demonstrate how the museum will contribute financially to a project. LGA’s should not be the only source of assistance
• Don’t limit requests to just financial support. LGA’s can often provide ‘in-kind’ and other support such as:
  • maintenance and gardening services
  • provision of building or other facility at nominal (peppercorn) rent
  • IT support and advice
  • Advice about security and insurance issues
  • Assistance and advice with grant applications
  • Signposting
  • Link to other community organisations
• Be prepared to ask more than once: priorities and circumstances do change over time
• Ideally, an LGA representative should be present on the museum’s management and/or advisory committee
• Point out that caring for a community’s heritage is ultimately a community responsibility, and an LGA has a role to play

Highlight what the museum can do for both them and the community

• Museums contribute to community building and this is what is expected of LGA’s. LGA and the museum can work together to achieve this.
• An invaluable research resource of local history. Eg. the museum can be an information source for heritage assessments
• Outline community benefits of the museum and its activities, such as:
  • conserving and promoting local history
  • contributing to the community’s cultural life
  • promoting tourism
• Demonstrate community support
• Identify collection items of regional, state and national significance. This will encourage an LGA to help showcase them.
• Participate in council working parties or steering committees to develop cultural policies or tourism strategies
• Offer to display council brochures and information sheets at the museum
• Offer the museum as a possible venue for community events, consultations or special purpose meetings

Maintain good communication

• Keep in touch regularly, using a variety of techniques:
  • annual reports
  • newsletters
  • personal presentations
  • informal social events eg. Occasional morning tea invitation, perhaps for Mayor, CEO or councillors to view a new acquisition; or invite new councillors for a tour of the museum followed by morning tea
• Ensure any report documents are clear and concise.
• Invite key people to exhibition openings and special events.
• Where appropriate, invite them to speak at workshops, seminars and conferences.
• Be sure to thank them and acknowledge their support, particularly in public and in the media.

References and further reading:

Museums Australia Inc (NSW). Museum Methods: a practical manual for managing small museums. Section 1.14 Dealing with Local Government

Chris Brophy, ‘Building a better relationship with your local council’, 2004 Museums Australia conference, Regional and Remote program

WA Local Government Association