Designation Scheme FAQ
The Scheme
Why is Arts Council England relaunching the Designation Scheme?
The Designation Scheme was introduced in 1997, and since then museum, library and archive collections have evolved, along with our understanding of what collections mean to the different audiences that access them. As a way of recognising these changes, we have introduced a new element to the criteria for Designation, to enable applicants to demonstrate the place-based value of their collection, and to share how their collections are presented and made accessible to audiences.
What are the main changes to the Scheme?
We have streamlined the Stage 1 process for applicants and removed the Area assessment step to enable a more efficient decision-making process. Applicants will be required to demonstrate how their collection is significant within their local area, and how members of the public and local community may access it.
Who makes the decision to award Designated status?
The Designation Panel, chaired by Nick Merriman (Chief Executive, English Heritage), meet twice a year to review current applications. The Panel itself is comprised of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the decision-making process. More information on the Designation Panel can be found here.
Applications
What if my organisation wants to apply to the Designation scheme?
All applications for the Designation Scheme are made via Grantium, Arts Council England’s grant application portal. Further information about how to apply can be found here.
My organisation has previously applied to the Designation scheme and been unsuccessful- can we re-apply?
The Designation Scheme is open to organisations that care for and manage collections across museums, libraries and archives. Any organisation that has applied to the Scheme previously may re-apply, however, all applicants must demonstrate how their collection fits the criteria.
My organisation has a collection which is really important locally, but we would find it hard to express the broader significance of the collection- is it worth us applying?
The fundamental purpose of the Designation Scheme is to identify collections that have national/international significance. Whilst we have adapted the criteria to enable organisations to evidence how the collection is important to local communities/audiences, applicants must still demonstrate the significance of that collection to a national/international audience. If an organisation is unable to do this, the Designation Scheme may not be the right fit.
Do you have a limit on the number of objects that are considered within an application? We would want to apply for our entire collection.
Broadly speaking, the majority of Designated collections which are ‘all holdings’ (that is to say, the entire collection of a museum/archive/library) were awarded Designated status in the early years of the Scheme. Applications in recent years have focused more on discrete elements within a large collection. Applicants should consider how much of their collection may realistically be considered significant or outstanding, as this is the focus of the application and decision making process.
Outcomes
Does the Arts Council provide specific funding to Designated collections holders?
The Arts Council does not provide ring-fenced funding for Designated collections holders, however, Designated status does enable organisations to highlight the importance of their collection/s to funders and serves as a useful advocacy tool. Designated status can help lever funds from other sources, and provide a helpful steer for organisations when determining how best to distribute their resource.
What does my organisation get if our application to the Designation Scheme is successful?
Should an application to the Designation Scheme be successful, organisations are notified and a plaque sent for installation on site and to signpost the importance of the collection to visitors. Arts Council England is always keen to share good news stories about the organisations we support, and we would work with the successful applicant to develop communications content to help raise the profile of the organisation and the award.
There is an option to opt-in for a £25,000 minimum liability per financial year for non-nationals with Designated collections In England and Northern Ireland. For ref the minimum liability per application for borrowing non-national institutions is usually £300 (plus 1% for objects valued over £4,000). All non-national borrowers with Designated collections are asked to sign an Irrevocable Undertaking, the form of which is at Annex B2 of the Guidelines for non-nationals, at Director level (or equivalent) annually. All other non-national borrowers are asked to sign an Irrevocable Undertaking with every application.