Regional Subject Specialist Networks in the West Midlands
During 2006-07 MLA West Midlands allocated money from the Museums Development Fund to support the establishment and development of regional subject specialist networks; such as the Costume & Textiles Group which secured funding to develop their network and produce advocacy literature to promote regional collections to users, visitors and researchers and collection development needs to senior managers and goverance.

Funding is available to support regional subject specialist networks (SSN’s) in the West Midlands for the financial year 2007-08.

MLA West Midlands is looking to commission up to 4 regional SSN bids during 07-08, with up to £4000 available for each bid. Additional funds may be available dependent upon the number of bids received and amounts requested.

Requests for funding are welcomed from existing or emerging subject specialist groups and can be from long-term discussion groups or time-limited groups exploring a particular issue around a collection type or subject area.

Such requests should look to:

– Establish and/or develop regional partnerships

– Strengthen ties with national subject specialist networks

– Build relationships with local societies, amateur experts, Further and Higher Education to widen research opportunities on and about collections held in the region

– Enhance the information on collections available to the user through direct consultation with the public

– Develop the skills and knowledge of group members and the sector.

For further details about support to regional SSN’s please see the attached pdf or contact Philip Kiberd at MLA West Midlands; philip.kiberd@mlawestmidlands.org.uk 0121-631-5822