Catalyst Case Study: Wheal Martyn
Cornwall Museums Partnership recognises the importance of museums being sustainable and resilient, especially during turbulent economic times. Working closely with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) they have developed the Catalyst Skills Programme to grow museum’s fundraising skills and capacity.
The team at Wheal Martyn were one of the first museums to benefit from this innovative skills training programme, a unique combination of mentoring, knowledge sharing, collaborative working and workshops bespoke to Cornwall – all focused on diversifying and strengthening fundraising capacity.
The training boosted the confidence of the volunteers and the staff, and equipped them to identify how to secure funding from a wider range of sources, supporting the museum’s long term sustainability.
Managing Director, Colin Vallance said: “Since participating in the programme we have developed a legacy policy, increased donations to the museum, made a number of successful applications to Trusts and other funders. The workforce now has better understanding of the museum’s needs and are motivated and inspired to make a real difference.”
The Catalyst Programme is providing ongoing support for museums like Wheal Martyn across Cornwall in 2017. The unique combination of workshops, networking and sharing learning has enabled Cornwall Museums Partnership to support museums to build new and stronger relationships, and take a strategic outlook on what is needed for their future.
Collin continues: “Working with CMP has enabled us to achieve so much more than we could alone. We have access to a wider range of skills and expertise, which is helping us to move our plans and ambitions for Wheal Martyn on at a faster pace.”
Catalyst Programme Manager Clare Pennington explains: “Catalyst is all about helping museums become resilient and sustainable. By supporting museums to diversify their fundraising in innovative and creative ways, we are ensuring that their cultural and heritage impact is at the centre of our communities”
Since this project, Wheal Martyn continues to work with The Cornwall Museums Partnership. Partnership working alongside diversifying income streams secures new sources of income, as well as creating a stronger network of museums in Cornwall. For more information on how the 2016-2017 Catalyst programme can help your museum, please contact Clare Pennington or Yiota Liopetriti on 01209 500750.
