Dispatches

Museum visits up 158% in 2022 - but still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels

Visitor numbers are picking up post-pandemic, according to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (Alva). Museums and galleries saw the strongest growth of all attraction types, reporting an overall increase of 158% in footfall. However, visits have not yet recovered to pre-Covid levels. with footfall still 23% lower in 2022 than in 2019. (Museums Association)

Opera isn't just for toffs. It must be opened up to everyone

Readers respond to a previous article in The Guardian (read here), highlighting views on the need to increase opera’s reach and broaden funding sources. (The Guardian)

We've Lost the Plot

The Atlantic explores how the need for constant entertainment has blurred lines and changed everyday life across America. (The Atlantic)

How the UAE became a global art powerhouse

Myrna Ayad highlights the breath of cultural offerings emerging across the UAE - from Sharjah to Dubai to Abu Dhabi. (Art Basel)

In a Sea of Stolen Artifacts, What is the Role of the Museum?

The San Francisco Standard examines the state of repatriation and restitution through the eyes of Bay Area museums and collections. (The San Francisco Standard)

Revealed: Rome's new €100m culture masterplan

A new plan, the National Roman Museum initiative, seeks to revamp four landmark museum and heritage sites in Italy - the Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps, and Crypta Balbi. (The Art Newspaper)

A24 Buys Cherry Lane Theatre

Film studio A24 purchases historic West Village stage Cherry Lane Theatre, the oldest continuously running Off Broadway theater in the city. (Curbed)

New Report on Creative Placemaking and Land-Use Development from Urban Land Institute

The Urban Land Institute uses six case studies - in Raleigh, NC; Nashville; New Orleans; Miami Beach; and St Croix - to demonstrate how effective creative placemaking can help spark a cultural rebirth in real estate projects, revitalize communities, and improve returns for developers. (ULI Americas)

To Create Covid-19 Memorials, Communities Lead the Way

Communities are picking up to create memorials remember and mourn those lost during the Covid-19 pandemic - this article looks at a number that are already in place, with lessons for future projects. (Bloomberg)

6 Cities on 5 Continents That Are Reimagining Urban Life

The New York Times looks at creative initiatives within six cities around the world that are reinventing themselves to make life better for all residents. (The New York Times)

Digital shadows: what happens to an artefact's data after it is restituted?

Shake-up announced for the UK’s £300m National Lottery Heritage Fund

The Fund outlines goals to seek out longer-term benefits in its projects, and a focus on ensuring that whole places benefit from the investment. The Fund will also be simplifying its process, assessing across four criteria: saving heritage; protecting the environment; inclusion, access and participation; and organisational sustainability. (The Art Newspaper)

5 Ways to Become a More Sustainable Museum in 2023

Highlighting ideas and potential steps to take to make museums (and other cultural organizations) more environmentally sustainable. (Tiqets)

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