Event at Derby Museum & Art Gallery, 11am – 3.30pm, Thursday 18th July 2019.

World Cultures Gallery visit and 'Restitution: a view from the Regions' workshop.

Come and join us in Derby to take part in a discussion and hear case studies reflecting on restitution and repatriation in regional museums, co-chaired by Tony Butler, Executive Director, Derby Museums and Helen Mears, Keeper of World Art at Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove and then after lunch explore and critique the new World Cultures Gallery with Laura Philips, Head of Interpretation and Display.

This event will be in two parts with a short break for lunch in-between.

Tea and coffee will be provided, but attendees are invited to bring lunch with them or buy lunch from the museum café or café nearby.

To book a place please email Events Officer, Rachel Heminway Hurst events@museumethnographersgroup.org.uk

Restitution: A view from the regions

National and university museums have tended to dominate public and sectoral debate regarding museums and their role in the restitution and repatriation of cultural property and yet, as all MEG members know, regional museums hold important and significant 'world cultures' collections (and may, in many cases, have more freedoms in regards to facilitating the return of material from these).

As Arts Council England looks to develop new guidance for the UK museum sector on restitution and repatriation, this meeting provides an initial opportunity for MEG members to firstly explore what the terms restitution and repatriation mean, reflect on their experiences in responding to claims, to consider the particular needs of regional museums in progressing work regarding restitution and repatriation, and to consider what role MEG might take in supporting the sector. 

Image© Derby Museum & Art Gallery.  Display of figures in the World Cultures Gallery.