Dr Nick Merriman appointed as Chair of the Designation Scheme Panel
Dr Nick Merriman has been appointed as the new Chair of our Designation Scheme Panel, taking over from Dr Stella Butler, whose tenure as Chair is coming to an end in Summer 2021.
The Designation Panel identifies outstanding collections around the country, assessing and making decisions on applications to the Designation Scheme, a mark of distinction that helps raise the profile of these vital collections and encourages people to safeguard them.
The Designation Scheme recognises cultural collections of outstanding importance held in non-national museums, libraries and archives across England. These vital collections are located in rural and urban centres right across the country, from Cornwall to Suffolk, and the South Coast to Cumbria.
This mark of distinction means their importance can be further recognised by funders, researchers and the public, helping to ensure these collections are protected and developed for wider enjoyment, learning and research.
Nick brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to the role through his experiences in a wide range of institutions, including Manchester Museums and University College London. Nick has published widely on museum studies topics, was Chair of the International Council of Museums (UK) from 2001 to 2004, President of the Council for British Archaeology from 2005 to 2008, Chair of the University Museums Group from 2009 to 2013, Convenor of the Museums Association’s Ethics Committee from 2008 to 2014 and was Chair of the Collections Trust from 2013 to 2017.
Nick is currently the Chief Executive and Director of the Horniman Museum and Gardens in London.
From Monday 24 May, we also begin the recruitment of five new panel members to join Nick Merriman on the Designation Panel.
The Designation Panel members, who work across the fields of arts, cultural heritage and historical research, meet twice a year to consider applications for Designated status.
For further details on the responsibilities of the Designation Panel members and how to apply, take a look at our recruitment pages.
Nick Merriman, Chief Executive and Director of the Horniman Museum and Gardens, said: “It’s a great honour to be appointed as Chair of the Designation Scheme Panel, highlighting the absolute best of non-national collections in England. I’m really looking forward to working with Arts Council colleagues and fellow expert panel members to bring the scheme to even wider public attention and to integrate it further with wider Arts Council initiatives.”
Our Chair, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “The Designation Scheme plays a crucial role in the Arts Council’s ambition to support and showcase culturally diverse and significant collections across the country, protecting them for generations to come. We’re delighted to appoint Nick Merriman for the role of Chair of the Designation panel; the scheme will benefit greatly from the experience and expertise he brings with him.”
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