Glasgow Museum workers protested on the steps of Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art on Saturday 5 August to condemn the £1.5 million pounds worth of cuts being made to their services.
Protesters including Technicians, Learning Coordinators, Archivists, Curators and Conservators affected by the cuts were delighted to learn that along with the support of Glasgow’s art and historical communities they also have world-famous artist Banksy on their side.
Banksy’s ‘Death On A Dodgem’ joined the protest party, blasting out the Bee Gee’s Staying Alive and giving the protest an amazing boost according to UNISON Glasgow, Branch Secretary Brian Smith. “The Grim Reaper really is standing over our Local Government Services in Glasgow, and Glasgow Museums are taking a hard hit this year, so Banksy’s stunt is absolutely fitting given the circumstances. To have Banksy and other artists in the city giving their support is a massive boost”.
UNISON Member Helen Hughes who works as a Textile Conservator, said “Glasgow Museums Workers care about the city’s collections and public service and have been incredibly creative to raise public awareness of the 30% Cut of professional and specialist skilled staff. These cuts will mean less care, less research and less public access to Glasgow’s internationally important civic collections and over all a lessened public offer by the museums.
UNISON member Elaine Addison who works as a Curator at The Open Museum added, “There will be much less Community Engagement and Learning/ Education through the deletion of the Award Winning Open Museum. These services engage with the autistic community, those in the criminal justice system and those who are facing isolation – as well as many others. They will deeply miss these services once they are gone
Brian Smith, said “Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government need to get creative about protecting these amazing cultural assets to Glasgow. There needs to be much greater National Funding to Glasgow for its Museum Services and the City generally. We hope local people will write to their councillors and MSP’s and demand change.
Campaign supporters can also sign our petition.
Additional Information
- More information or additional quotes is available via contacting:
- Joe pearce, Joe.pearce@unison.co.uk – 07985118796
- Brian Smith, b.smith@glasgowcityunison.co.uk – 07870914361
- Glasgow Museum Friendly Societies are all supporting UNISON’s campaign, for contact information please contact us and we will forward on the friendly societies details.
- Paul Sweeny MSP, who has supported UNISON’s No Cuts Campaign has in press articles this week highlighted the need for a review of how Museums and Glasgow’s cultural assets are funded. He makes the argument that many of Glasgow’s assets including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and GoMA are National Assets but without National Funding or a fairer contribution from affluent communities surrounding Glasgow.
- Paul Sweeney Article https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/23700137.paul-sweeney-how-can-anyone-justify-cuts-ending-job-losses-/
- Pictures from GOMA demo: