Collectors give to strong institutions which are likely to survive the centuries 3 Aug 2016

Museums Sheffield has published its latest report exploring the relationship between philanthropy, collectors and museums. Going Public explores how to attract more philanthropists to contribute to regional museums in particular. The report finds a ‘strong desire’ by private collectors to give more regionally, but that they are not prepared to plug gaps caused by government cuts or give to institutions struggling to survive. Collectors want their legacy to survive, and are therefore attracted to institutions that they are confident will last for centuries. The report looks in detail at other drivers motivating philanthropists to give. It concludes that philanthropy isn’t a ‘silver bullet’ that can solve the sector’s funding problems, but as part of a mixed economy, it is an approach that can be developed much further. Museums Journal, Museums Sheffield (full report)