FOI request (FOIR-723618625)

Council museums

Requested Tue 17 June 2025
Responded Mon 07 July 2025

Part A.

If applicable in relation to the museums/galleries owned/funded/overseen by the council.

For the past two years up to date:

1. What work has been carried out to 'decolonise' collections (addressing colonial legacies, racism, and to make the museum more racially inclusive)?

For example, what labelling has been added to contextualise potentially harmful narratives about slavery and so on?

What has been removed from display?

Can you please provide any interval guidance/manuals provided to staff to assist them with this work?

2. What work has been carried out to make collections, events and education work to make it more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community?

For example, tours, new displays, new labels?

Can you please provide any interval guidance/manuals provided to staff to assist them with this work>

3. Could you please provide details of formal approaches for the return of cultural artefacts, and for all requests for the repatriation of cultural artefacts?

For example, for the return of Aboriginal material.

Can you break this down by the date of the first approach, with details of the objects in question, the parties requesting them, and the status of discussions/negotiations at present?

Part B.

1. In relation to any council owned/funded/overseen venues: for arts, music, or other cultural activities:

What has been done to ensure racial and LGBT inclusion?

What policies are in place with regard to referencing the use of the shape to certain groups or those with certain political views?

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Response

The Freedom of Information Act is based on recorded information held by a local authority, it is not a tool to ask questions.

Part A.

1. Information not held. This is not a request for recorded information.

Our Indigenous engagement policy is publicly available on the website:

https://www.hmag.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/HMAG-Indigenous-Engagement-Policy.pdf

2. Information not held. This is not a request for recorded information.

All staff have training about The Equality Act and the museum has planned external Trans Awareness Training.

Part B.

1. Information not held. This is not a request for recorded information.