Galleries, museums shutting down across UK

PanARMENIAN.Net - Galleries and museums across the UK are shutting down or reducing their opening hours because of ongoing budget cuts, according to a new survey.

Of the 114 institutions questioned by the Museums Association, 22% have closed all or part of their sites in the last 12 months.

Services to schools have also been dramatically reduced.

Fifty-one per cent of those surveyed reported a cut in their budgets since last year, which had a negative impact on their public-facing services.

Almost a third of museums have experienced a cut to their budget of more than 10% and the report states it is this group that has felt the greatest impact, with a reduction in the quality of service the biggest threat. More institutions face closure or reduced opening times in the months ahead as pressures on council budgets continue, BBC News reported.