We are responsible for protecting the nations cultural objects, our aim is to improve access for all by permitting and encouraging the highest quality works of art to remain and be displayed in the United Kingdom.
Our work on cultural property includes:
- Acceptance in Lieu: The Acceptance in Lieu scheme allows people to offer items of cultural and historical importance to the state in full or part payment of tax
- Export Licensing: Anyone exporting items out of the UK, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, must apply for an individual Export Licence for certain cultural objects. Full details on how to apply are available on this site.
- Exporting cultural property: The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art & Objects of Cultural Interest helps to advise DCMS on the export of cultural objects, keeping works of national interest in the UK
- Government Indemnity Scheme: The GIS is an insurance agreement that allows the public access to objects within the UK that might not otherwise be available. Find out more, and how to apply.
- 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict : We have publised a summary of responses received to the Government's consultation.
- Human remains in UK institutions: We have issued Guidance for the Care of Human Remains and offer a Human Remains Advisory Service, which provides smaller museums with independent advice on dealing with repatriation claims.
- Illicit Trade: Through working with the different stakeholder groups we develop policy on preventing and prohibiting the illicit trade in cultural objects
- Spoliation: The Spoliation Advisory Panel resolves claims from people, or their heirs, who lost property during the Nazi era which is now held in UK national collections. It assesses each case on legal, factual and moral grounds.
- Treasure: DCMS is responsible for decisions about treasure finds in England and Wales and for policy that comes under The Treasure Act 1996.
Advice on a range of issues relating to cultural property can also be found on the Cultural Property Advice website.
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Transfer of functions to the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
Following recommendations made in the Goodison Report, certain functions have now been transferred from the DCMS Cultural Property Unit to the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
The MLA is now responsible for:
News
From 19 March 2007, the British Museum will provide certain services to the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport in relation to the performance of her functions under the Treasure Act. These services will include the valuation of treasure finds, the invoicing of museums, the payment of rewards and supporting the Treasure Valuation Committee.
A copy of the agreement is available in the publications section of our website.
