Evaluation of impact of Covid on the independent museum sector in Scotland and the impact of MGS Recovery and Resilience Funding

The closure of Scotland’s museums and galleries during the Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the sector. Many organisations saw their reserves depleted rapidly, with income streams being significantly reduced. In response, an emergency Recovery and Resilience Fund was launched by MGS in August 2020. The programme was targeted at organisations which were struggling to cover costs in the six-month period between October 2020 and March 2021, and assisted with the implementation of measures which would help them become more financially sustainable beyond that period.

In January 2021, further funding was made available for a second round of awards, supporting Scotland’s museums and galleries through to June 2021. Unlike MGS’s regular grant programmes, organisations including non-Accredited museums were able to apply for funding to cover core costs and reserve top-ups.

MGS now seeks to work with a contractor in analysing the impact of Covid-19 on the independent museums and galleries sector in Scotland, and in particular the impact of the Recovery and Resilience programme. This analysis will provide the framework for assessing what support and development the sector needs going forward.