Disclosure Log

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Question

A If applicable In relation to the museums/galleries owned/funded/overseen by the council For the past two years up to date 1 What work has been carried out to “decolonise” collections: addressing colonial legacies, racism, and to make the museum more racially inclusive For example, what labelling has been added to contextualise potentially harmful narratives about slavery etc What has been removed from display? Can you please provide any interval guidance/manuals provided to staff to assist them with this work 2 For the past two years up to date What work has been carried out to make collections, events and education work to make it more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community ? Tours, new displays, new labels? Can you please provide any interval guidance/manuals provided to staff to assist them with this work 3 Could you please provide details of formal approaches for the return of cultural artefacts, and for all requests for the repatriation of cultural artefacts For example, for the return of Aboriginal material Can you break this down by the date of the first approach, with details of the objects in question, the parties requesting them, and the status of discussions/negotiations at present B 1 In relation to any council owned/funded/overseen venues: for arts, music, or other cultural activities: What has been done to ensure racial and LGBT inclusion? What policies are in place with regard to referencing the use of the shape to certain groups or those with certain political views?

Answer

1. What work has been carried out to “decolonise” collections: addressing colonial legacies, racism, and to make the museum more racially inclusive. For example, what labelling has been added to contextualise potentially harmful narratives about slavery etc In 2023 a collections survey was carried out as part of the Welsh Government ARWAP (Anti-racist Wales Action Plan) identifying items in the collections that have links to colonialism and slavery. 2. What has been removed from display? None 3. Can you please provide any interval guidance/manuals provided to staff to assist them with this work N/A 4. What work has been carried out to make collections, events and education work to make it more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community ? Tours, new displays, new labels? The Council has held events such as pop up LGBTQ+ timeline displays, talks and pride themed events such as creating a banner and exploring artist and themes in the collection with a direct LGBTQ+ linked. Council staff attended and supported the annual Merthyr Pride event at the college, Merthyr Tydfil in August 2024 and had a stall. Council staff organised the following events this year, including, Rainbowing Merthyr talk by Norena Shopland and Flower Power – an event that aimed to understand, discuss and create a keepsake inspired by LGBTQIA+. 5. Can you please provide any interval guidance/manuals provided to staff to assist them with this work N/A 6. Could you please provide details of formal approaches for the return of cultural artefacts, and for all requests for the repatriation of cultural artefacts . For example, for the return of Aboriginal material. N/A 7. Can you break this down by the date of the first approach, with details of the objects in question, the parties requesting them, and the status of discussions/negotiations at present The Council would deal with each request on a case by case basis. 8. In relation to any council owned/funded/overseen venues: for arts, music, or other cultural activities. What has been done to ensure racial and LGBT inclusion? At Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all our employees and the communities we serve. 9. What policies are in place with regard to referencing the use of the shape to certain groups or those with certain political views? See attached the Council’s Strategic equality plan 2024 -2028 for further information.