In December 2005 the Collections Council accepted a small research project with the London-based firm AEA Consulting to provide the Australian content for an international benchmarking study of Cultural Spend and Infrastructure: A Comparative Study commissioned by the UK’s Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. The Collections Council engaged a contract researcher (Mr Darren Peacock of Sweet Technology PL) to assist with this work.

The project has involved gathering data about the museum, gallery, library and archives domains, and collating information about trends and issues for the sector. The project has helped the Collections Council to draw together a range of information about the collections sector in Australia.

The project has already strengthened the Collections Council’s relationship with the Australian Bureau of Statistics through its National Centre for Culture and Recreation Statistics, located in Adelaide. The study will also assist the Collections Council in better understanding the international context for the sector, and in promoting better understanding of the nature of the Australian collections sector. 

The full report is now available on the MLA website and can be viewed here