New survey highlights the value of museums during COVID-19

A survey released today by the Council of Australian Museum Directors found that 78 million visitors attended its 22 museums onsite or online over the past year reflecting the status of museums as being some of the most trusted institutions in society.
A recent report by Democracy 2025 (an initiative of the Museum of Australian Democracy and the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis at the University of Canberra) revealed that 70% of Australians surveyed say they have a high degree of trust in cultural institutions, ranking higher than universities and the media, which is consistent with findings of similar studies of museums internationally.
According to Daryl Karp, Director of the Museum of Australian Democracy and Chair of Council of Australian Museum Directors (CAMD), which commissioned the survey, museums not only hold public trust, but they have also become places for important reflection in a pandemic-changed world.
Karp notes “museums are an important part of Australia’s creative and cultural landscape and make substantial contributions across economic, environmental, social and cultural domains. Time and again, museums have demonstrated their ability, not only to boost local economies, but also to bring people and communities together. Museums provide places for decompression, socialisation and an opportunity to explore new ideas, which is more important now than ever.
“Far beyond hubs of knowledge and culture, museums have also internationally been shown to support mental health by providing calming experiences, a sense of community and communication between families, among other benefits. These experiences extend beyond the physical walls of museums and cultural institutions, providing lifelong learning for the community through education and outreach programs, which were accessed by millions of visitors during the lockdown.
“As trusted sources in the community, museums serve as ‘safe places for unsafe ideas’ and provide platforms for difficult conversations on important issues like climate change and reconciliation.
“One way Australian museums and galleries are working to advance the reconciliation of Australia is through undertaking the Australian Museums and Galleries Association’s First Peoples: A Roadmap for Enhancing Indigenous Engagement in Museums and Galleries.”
The value and importance of museums has been demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many museums across the region experiencing increased visitation. The brand-new WA Museum Boola Bardip and the recently transformed Australian Museum have witnessed record attendance, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australian Museum Director and Chief Executive, Kim McKay said the Australian Museum had seen more than double the usual number of people visit the renovated museum since reopening to the public on 28th November 2020. 400,000 visitors represents a record number of people for the nearly 200-year-old institution, despite the absence of tourists, who typically make up approximately 35% of visitors.
McKay added “there’s nothing like free general admission, combined with a pent-up desire to see the new spaces, and great special exhibitions to attract the public. These numbers affirm the important role of museums.”
Western Australian Museum Chief Executive Alec Coles, recently named as the 2021 Arts and Culture Western Australian of the Year, advised that the WA Museum engaged with more than 54,000 people to develop the content, themes and visitor experiences in the new WA Museum Boola Bardip and has seen record visitation of more than 460,000 in the six months since opening.
“We made a commitment from the very beginning to represent many diverse voices, many of whom had never been heard, let alone in this kind of institution. Museums are places that people tend to trust, where you can have some of these difficult conversations without the rancour and the bias that you see elsewhere. We want to encourage critical reflection and debate, to be a conduit for real stories, for healing, and ultimately, for truth.”
Auckland Museum Chief Executive Dr David Gaimster said that COVID-19 and resulting border closures have impacted the museum’s visitation, but due to digital engagement and the opening of two new museum spaces, the Museum is optimistic about future visitation.
Dr Gaimster shares “increasing numbers of Aucklanders have visited the Museum in FY 2020/21 and we are optimistic we will reach 500,000 visits by year end. This has been the result of maintaining a deliberately high online presence throughout periods of lockdown, and a compelling public offer with an international special exhibition and the opening of two new museum spaces since 1st December 2020.”
Image top: Australian Museum; image centre WA Museum Boola Bardip; and image above Auckland Museum
Related Articles
6th June 2021 - LEGO masterpieces showcased at Queensland Museum
6th June 2021 - Western Australia Museum Chief Executive secures prestigious arts and culture award
3rd June 2021 - Waikato Museum exhibition marks 40th anniversary of anti-Springbok Tour protests
30th May 2021 - Art Processors help WA Museum Boola Bardip tell ‘many stories’
24th May 2021 - TarraWarra Museum of Art announces curator for TarraWarra Biennial 2023
20th May 2021 - Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum announces inaugural Director, First Nations
17th May 2021 - Australian Museum showcases culture of First Nations people in events and exhibition
10th May 2021 - Winton’s Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum receives $4.9 million in new additions
4th May 2021 - Powerhouse Museum announces major exhibition on history of the Eucalypt
8th March 2021 - Australian Museum appoints Laura McBride as Director First Nations
13th February 2021 - NSW Government gives planning consent for new Powerhouse Museum at Parramatta
11th February 2021 - Shepparton Art Museum announces new development team
22nd January 2021 - Queensland Maritime Museum’s weekend opening set to be its last
9th December 2020 - Heide Museum of Modern Art celebrates 40th Anniversary with inaugural Heide summer festival
4th December 2020 - Oman Government plans natural history museum as part of Vision 2040 strategy
29th November 2020 - Sovereign Hill Museums Association celebrates 50th anniversary with launch of 20-year staged Master Plan
21st November 2020 - New $400 million WA Museum Boola Bardip officially opens
28th October 2020 - Transformed Australian Museum reopens to public on 28th November
19th October 2020 - Hong Kong Palace Museum anticipated to launch in June 2022
14th October 2020 - Canterbury Museum’s concept designs revealed
7th October 2020 - Wonnarua Indigenous Cultural Hub and museum to be established in Hunter Valley
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
supplier directory
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
The Jump Pad
The Jump Pad is a safe, flat inflatable made in a variety of sizes which can be used indoor or outdoor. From 3mx3m up to a whopping 9mx21m. Markets include Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, schools,…
read moreWATERPLAY Solutions Corp
Whether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…
read moreEnvibe
With its sleek good looks and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality, Envibe is the premium fitness club software for the Australasian leisure, recreation and fitness industry. We are the most…
read moreIntelligenz Solutions
Intelligenz provides Leisure Management Software for managing all your Program Registrations, Facility Bookings, Membership Sales and POS Transactions; including detailed Reporting, automated…
read moreGREENEDESK
Track. Engage. Retain GreeneDesk is a suite of cloud based software solutions helping health clubs, leisure centres and swim schools to effectively track progression, improve customer engagement and…
read moreThe Pool Enclosure Company
Now TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures
read moreAltitude Training Systems
ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…
read moreget listed with our suppliers directory
Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!