My Reflections on the Mendoza Review

Last week I was asked to join a panel discussion at the Museums Association Conference about the Mendoza Review. On the whole I think the review is a positive and it’s great that it paints a positive image of the sector, but I worry that it could lead to us becoming complacent.   There has been a lot of talk about whether as a sector there is a crisis? I don't believe the whole sector is in a crisis and that we need to run around shouting about it, and absolutely there is evidence of museums in the sector thriving, but I do believe there is a crisis in the sector. Crisis is a big word, but the dictionary definition of crisis is this -   "A time when a difficult or important decision must be made"   On this definition then yes I think we are at this point and whilst I think the review touches on the main areas of “Crisis” I worry that it doesn't make enough of the seriousness and the need for change.   There are 4 main areas for me where I beli