tasac application form - museums€¦ · museums must have a collection of adequate size and/or...

of 16

APPLICATION FORM

Museums1. Background – Tourist Signs in NSW

Tourist signs in Australia have a white legend on a brown background and are installed to assist road users in locating major tourist attractions.

Road users who rely on these signs must be assured of the quality of the ‘product and service’ they are likely to receive at their destination. The “visitor experience” is therefore the primary consideration when determining eligibility for tourist signage. To maintain road users’ confidence in tourist signage for major tourist attractions, it is important that any attraction signposted must meet a minimum standard and offer a minimum range of tourist services.

The eligibility criteria used to assess applications for tourist signposting have been developed through extensive industry consultation and aim to reflect industry standards for major tourist attractions. The eligibility criteria are contained in the NSW Tourist Signposting Manual (available on line at www.destinationnsw.com.au/tasac) which forms the basis of all decisions regarding tourist signposting in NSW.

Applications for tourist signs on State roads in NSW are assessed by the Tourist Attraction Signposting Assessment Committee (TASAC). TASAC is a group formed by the NSW State Government to have overall responsibility for the planning and implementation of tourist signposting systems in New South Wales. TASAC is made up of representatives of Destination New South Wales, the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and Destination Networks (DNs).

The RMS is responsible for authorising and erecting signs on State roads. These include all “highways” and many other major classified roads. Local councils are responsible for installing signs on regional roads (the rest of the classified road network) and are wholly responsible for local roads. The Tourist Signposting Manual is applicable on regional and State roads.

It is important to understand the following:(i) Signs for eligible attractions will only be provided where there is available space in the road reserve.

In other words, a major tourist attraction or destination that meets all the signposting criteria mightnot receive “white on brown” signs because the road network has no capacity for any more signs.

(ii) Signs will only be erected on State roads where the local council agrees to similar signs (wherenecessary) being erected on their road network, so that road users can be easily directed to touristattractions and destinations once they leave the “highway”.

(iii) Operators are required to pay for the design, manufacture, installation, maintenance and, wherenecessary, the removal of signs.

Ref: 21307

1213

-036

of 16

2. General Requirements

There are a number of categories of major tourist attraction that are eligible for signposting. These include individual major tourist attractions (such as museums), driving routes and ‘product’ categories (eg historic towns). Some general eligibility criteria apply to all the categories. There are also additional criteria specific to each category.

This Application Form is the relevant form if your attraction fits within the “Museums” category. If you are uncertain about which category your attraction falls into, you should contact [email protected] for advice.

Please read the application form carefully and complete all sections. Your application will be assessed based on the information you provide. Conflicting or inadequate information will lead to delays in processing and any omissions may result in TASAC being unable to make a decision on your application.

3. Rationale for Signposting Criteria - Museums

Museums include local history museums, museums devoted to specialised collections or topics, or the major State and National museums. They form a major component of the tourist infrastructure of New South Wales.

The term ‘museum’ does not include collections of artworks, such as paintings, sculpture etc. These are classed as galleries, and are assessed under a separate set of criteria.

For museums to be eligible for tourist signposting, they must provide informative experiences for the visitor. This is irrespective of whether they are operated by a government agency, a non-profit organisation or a commercial concern.

Museums must have a collection of adequate size and/or quality, and be displayed in a way that enables visitors to gain an appreciation of the collection and its technical, social or cultural significance. Accordingly, the operation of museums must incorporate:

•coherent displays/presentations which relate to the local community and its identity or to a specific theme;

• displays of a substance/quality that is adequate in number or significance to convey knowledge to visitors of thetheme or identity with which they are concerned; and

• management policies and practices which ensure that the collection and its display and interpretation aremaintained to a high standard.

If a museum is based on a dynamic technology or process, such as historic railways or mines, it will be classed as a working museum. Demonstrations must occur at least once per opening day. If the requirements for working museums are not achievable, the normal requirements for museums will apply.

of 16

4. Completing the Application Form

To be favourably considered for tourist signposting, applicants must demonstrate that their attraction meets all the relevant criteria, both general and specific. Please provide as much detail as possible, including documentary evidence such as photographs and supporting material such as copies of leaflets and brochures. Generally simple Yes / No answers are insufficient. Do not be limited by the space provided on the application form and attach additional pages as required.

To support your application and highlight how you meet the criteria please include samples of the following:

•brochures

•advertising material

•descriptions of the services you offer

• interpretive information provided to visitors

•your web address if you have one

•photographs of your attraction, interior and exterior

• any other material/information that will provide a complete pictureof the tourism experience your attraction offers.

You are encouraged to consult with Destination NSW prior to completing your application to ensure that all the necessary material is submitted. Please refer also to the Destination NSW website (www.destinationnsw.com.au/tasac) which contains information to assist you in preparing your application.

When all the relevant sections of the Application Form have been completed, and supporting information attached, please send it to [email protected]. Please contact Destination NSW for any further information regarding the application process:

Destination NSWDavid DouglasGPO Box 7050, Sydney NSW 2001Ph: 02 9931 1483Email: [email protected]

Please note that in addition to the written application, TASAC and/or their representatives will generally conduct a site inspection or visit. This is done to fully assess the application and to ensure the service provision meets visitor requirements.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

of 16

5. Assessment of your application

Applications for tourist signs in NSW are assessed by TASAC. The Committee meets monthly, and your application will be considered at the first meeting after it is received. If your application is complete and demonstrates you meet all the criteria, your eligibility for signage may be determined within 6 weeks. The time will vary depending upon when in the meeting cycle your application is received and whether or not TASAC requires more information regarding your business, services, etc before a decision is made.

Applications assessed as eligible for signposting are then referred to the RMS who will determine where the signs can be placed. The signs will then need to be designed and installed.

It is important to note that in some cases due to local circumstances, it might not be possible to install signs. Notwithstanding an individual attraction satisfying all the requirements to be eligible for a sign, a site within the road reserve needs to be available for any sign to be installed. If no site is available no sign can be installed. Should your application proceed to this stage the RMS will advise you in this respect.

of 16

SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION

Name of Attraction (this will form the basis of the wording on the sign(s), if eligible):

Street Address of Attraction (please attach a map showing where it is located):

Local Government Authority Area:

Proprietor / Owner/ Applicants Name:

Name of Key Contact (if different from above):

Position Title:

Postal address for correspondence (if different from address):

Ph: Fax:

Email:

of 16

Conditions

If your attraction qualifies for “white on brown” signposting, it is your responsibility, as the operator, to ensure your attraction continues to comply with the criteria for your type of attraction. If your attraction is found to no longer comply with the criteria the RMS will remove the sign at your expense. Therefore, after you are granted a sign you will need to regularly review your attraction against the criteria to ensure you still comply with it. All tourist signposting is provided on this basis. It is therefore a requirement that operators indicate they accept this condition as part of their application.

All approvals are granted for a 5 year period. After this period you will be contacted by TASAC and ask to demonstrate how your product still qualifies for signage.

The RMS has an electronic database of all guide signs including tourist signs erected on the State road network in New South Wales. This database provides ready access to TASAC to ensure conformity to this Manual for tourist signposting.

TASAC assumes that the attraction has all the approvals, licenses and insurances necessary to legally operate.

A signature below confirms that the information you have provided in all parts of the application is true and accurate, and that the above conditions have been read, understood and are agreed to by the applicant.

Please sign here:

Name:

Date:

Please note unless digital signature can be applied please mail or scan and email this page to [email protected]

of 16

SECTION B: GENERAL CRITERIA FOR ALL ATTRACTIONS

All tourist attraction types must meet the following general criteria:

•They are well established in their present form

• They are open for at least: 5 days per week (including both weekend days);6 hours per day; and 11 months of the year.

•They must display their opening hours at public entrance points on the property boundary

•No pre-booking is necessary

•They have an up to date brochure showing opening hours

•There are adequate car parking facilities and publicly accessible toilets

NOTE: THE HELP NOTES AT THE BACK OF THIS FORM WILL ASSIST YOU TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION. PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY AS YOU ANSWER EACH QUESTION.

Please provide the following general information about your attraction:

1. How long has the attraction been operating in its present form? Please see Note 1

�� Not yet operating

Specify planned opening date:

�� Less than 1 year

�� Between 1 and 5 years

�� Between 5 and 10 years

�� More than 10 years

2 (a) What are the attraction’s opening days and hours? Please see Note 2 Please note any variation on opening times during School Holidays.

Day Hours Seasonal variations (specify)

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

of 16

2(b) Is the attraction open on public holidays?

�� Yes

�� No

2(c) Which months of the year is the attraction open?

3. Does the attraction have the opening hours/days displayed on-site? Please see Note 3

�� Yes (please provide a photo showing the location of the sign.)

�� No

4. Is pre-booking necessary? Please see Note 4

�� Yes

Provide details:

�� No

5. How long does the average visitor stay at the attraction?

�� Less than 15 minutes

�� Between 15 minutes and 1 hour

�� Longer than 1 hour

6. Is the attraction a commercial operation (ie does it offer goods for sale or charge an entrance fee)? Pleasesee Note 5

�� Yes

�� No

7(a) Does the attraction have all-weather access & parking? Please see Note 6

�� Yes (Please provide a photo of access points & parking facilities – go to 7(b))

�� No

7(b) How many car and coach spaces are available?

No. of car spaces:

No. of coach spaces:

of 16

8. Does the attraction provide publicly accessible toilet facilities for visitors? Please see Note 7

�� Yes

�� No

9. Does the attraction cater for casual tourists and/or tour groups? Please see Note 8

�� Casual tourists

�� Tour groups

10(a) Does the attraction have a brochure and/or other printed material? Please see Note 9

�� Yes (Please provide copies – go to 10(b))

�� No

10(b) Does the attraction have promotional material available at the nearest Accredited Visitor Information Centre (AVIC)?

�� Yes (go to 10(c))

�� No

10(c) If yes, at which AVIC(s) is the promotional material available?

11. Does the attraction currently have "white on brown” tourist signs? Please see Note 10

�� Yes (Please provide details of the location and exact wording on the sign. (You can provide aphotograph of existing sign(s), with their location marked on a locality map.)

�� No

of 16

10. Which category best describes the attraction? Please see Note 11

�� Galleries

�� Museums

�� Craft based attractions

�� Aboriginal sites and cultural centres

�� Historic Properties, sites and tracks

�� Wineries

�� Primary and secondary industry based

�� Outdoor/Nature based

�� Theme Parks

�� Architectural/Engineering Structures

�� Other attractions not specified here

�� State Significant attractions

The following section of the application form specifically relates to the Museums category. If you did not select Museums from the above list you will need to complete a different application form. Please contact [email protected]

of 16

SECTION C: SPECIFIC CRITERIA FOR MUSEUMS

This section is to be completed when the major tourist attraction operates as a museum. This includes National, State, Regional, Local or Special/Themed Museums. The application will be referred to Museums and Galleries NSW for assessment and returned to TASAC for follow up action.

Aside from the general criteria in Section B, to be considered for tourist signs museums must meet the following criteria:

•Represents a local/regional identity or specific theme

•Changing exhibitions.

• Interpretive/educational material available to visitors

•Adequate exhibition space

•Professional presentation of exhibition space with regard to lighting and viewing.

•Suitably qualified staff.

Other criteria that may be considered include:

•Demonstrations or activities.

•Collection policy/mission statement

•Advertising/promotion.

Please provide the following specific information about your attraction:

1(a) Does the museum have a specific theme or local / regional content? Please see Note 12

�� Yes

�� No

1(b) If Yes, what is the theme and what is exhibited to support this theme?

of 16

1(c) If No, what is exhibited in the museum?

2(a) Does the museum have changing exhibitions – even small ones? Please see Note 13

�� Yes

�� No

2(b) If Yes, please provide details

3. Provide details of interpretive material supporting any static displays. (Please include photos)Please see Note 14

4. How much exhibition space does the museum have? (specify in m2) Please see Note 15

5. Please provide legible photos of the museum highlighting its presentation of exhibitions.Please see Note 16

of 16

6. Please provide details of the experience and qualifications of the museum’s staff, including volunteers.Please see Note 17

7(a) What is the nature and frequency of on-site demonstrations or activities? Please see Note 18

7(b) If the museum is a working museum, for example a mine or historic railway, please provide a timetable of activities.

8. Does the museum have a Collection Policy and Mission Statement? Please see Note 19

�� Yes (Please provide copies)

�� No

9. Please provide recent and legible photographs showing examples of the museum’s collections, displaysand museum building(s).

10. What advertising and promotion does the museum undertake? (Provide samples of promotionalmaterial.) Please see Note 20

of 16

NOTES

1. Existing and proposed attractionsIn general, signage is only provided when an attraction has beenoperating long enough to be well established. It is usually not possible to demonstrate that an attraction is eligible for signage before it has opened, as it is difficult to demonstrate that all the eligibility criteria have been satisfied. Therefore, it is generally expected that major tourist attractions have been operating for a minimum of 3-6 months so that a track record and a basis for assessment can be established. Signposting eligibility is not generally given to “proposed attractions”, those which are not completed, or may take a considerable time to open. This aims to avoid inconvenience to road users and to ensure that signs correctly reflect the actual attraction / experience on offer.

2. Opening HoursAll major tourist attractions must meet the criteria for opening hours to be eligible for tourist signposting. Road users have a legitimate expectation that a major tourist attraction will be open when they see a white on brown sign and decide to visit the attraction. Inadequate opening days / hours / number of weeks, result in visitor dissatisfaction. Ultimately this reflects badly not only on the credibility of the particular attraction, but also on the tourism industry generally and the credibility of the New South Wales tourist signposting system. Major tourist attractionsin New South Wales need to be open to the public for at least five days per week including both days of the weekend. The requirement that attractions be open all weekend is to ensure their availability on the days when a majority of recreational trips are undertaken. It is desirable, though not essential for all attractions to be open on public holidays. A working museum may not be able to operate on ordinary weekdays due to staffing and other operational requirements eg a historic railway. In these instances, it is expected that the facility be open weekends, and during school and public holidays.

3. Sign on property boundaryAttractions must have signage displayed at the public entrance points on or near the property boundary to assist road users in identifying the property and outlining the hours of operation. This is particularly beneficial where an attraction is some distance from the property boundary. The sign also indicates to road users arriving out of hours when they might return to find the attraction open. Applicants are requested to provide a photograph as evidence of property-boundary signage.

4. Pre-bookingIt is expected that major tourist attractions operate to a scale and standard that enable them to cater for the demands of casual road users without the need for pre-booking. This aims to avoid inconvenience and ensure a satisfactory visitor experience. While it is acceptable for attractions to require pre-booking for coach groups, it must be demonstrated that the experiences on offer are also available to casual road users without the need to pre-book. Attractions that only caterfor pre-bookings are NOT eligible for tourist signposting.

5. Commercial operationsAn attraction is a “commercial operation” if it either offersgoods for sale and/or charges an entrance fee.

6. Car parkingIt is essential that adequate car parking is available either on-site or within close and convenient proximity to the attraction and that the parking can be accessed in all weather conditions. It is generally expected that car parking be provided on-site, particularly in rural areas. In urban areas on-site parking is desirable, but if not feasible, adequate on or off-street parking needs to be provided within a convenient distance of the attraction.Adequacy of car parking is assessed on a case by case basis.

7. ToiletsAll commercial attractions (i.e. that offer goods for sale and/or charge an entrance fee) are required to provide toilet facilities on site. Some ‘short stay’ attractions (ie visitors would be anticipated to stay less than 15 minutes to fully experience the attraction) that are not commercial in nature (eg lookouts or monuments) may be exempt from providing toilets, but this will be assessed on a merit basis by TASAC.

8. Casuals and tour groupsIt is expected that major tourist attractions operate to a scale and standard that enable them to cater simultaneously for individual road users as well as tour groups. This aims to avoid inconvenience and ensure a satisfactory visitor experience for those travelling independently or in small groups. Applications must demonstrate that the quality experiences on offer are available equally to road users travelling in single vehicles as well those travelling as part of an organised coach tour.

9. BrochuresTo be eligible for tourist signage, all major attractions must have a current brochure that indicates opening hours, days and any seasonal variations in opening times available at the nearest AVIC. It is also desirable that the brochure includes a map showing the location of the attraction, its contact details (eg. phone number, address and website) and some brief details about its ‘story’. Establishments that do not have a brochure with the attraction’s opening hours will NOT be eligible for signage. Providing examples of advertisements promoting your business (eg in the local visitor’sguide) is also useful but not a substitute for a current brochure.

10. Existing tourist signsIf you wish to alter the wording of an existing sign, or are seeking additional or replacement signs you must be able to demonstrate that your attraction still meets the signposting requirements before the attraction can be deemed eligible to receive new signs.

11. Eligible attractions•Galleries-placesdisplayingcollectionsofartworks(eg paintings, sculpture etc.) Does not include museums,which are the subject of a separate category.

•Museums-eglocalhistorymuseums,museumsdevotedto specialised collections or topics, or the major State and National museums. Does not include collections of artworks, which are the subject of a separate category.

•Craftbasedattractions–placesthatfeatureobjectsmade by hand using wood, glass, ceramics, jewellery, metal, textile/fabrics and mixed media.

•Aboriginalculturalcentresandsites-sitesthathavetheremains of prehistoric/ historic Aboriginal occupation; sites of contemporary significance to Aboriginal community (eg purpose built cultural centres displaying Aboriginal culture).

•Historicproperties,sitesandtracks–includeshistoricproperties managed by National Trust, Historic Houses Trust

of 16

or other managers, historic sites, and heritage tracks or walks. Does not include Aboriginal attractions, historic towns and villages, and historic precincts within major regional centres, which are the subject of separate categories.

•Wineries–cellardoorsthateithermakewineatthepremises,or are located adjacent to the vineyard which grows the grapes from which the wine being tasted is made. Cellar doors that are not adjacent to the wine making premises or vineyards from which the wine is made are not eligible for tourist signage.

•Primaryandsecondaryindustrybased-primaryandsecondary industries (eg lavender, macadamia, olive, alpaca, cotton farms; wool mills; chocolate factories; cheese factories;bee-keeping/honey-making) with a unique production process (eg innovative or unusual technology, notable size or scale of production activity) that visitors can view and learn about.

•Outdoor/naturebasedattractions-includeswalkingtracks,riding schools, natural features (eg lookouts, waterfalls), cavesand recreation reserves as well as zoos and botanic gardens. Does not include special interest sporting or recreation based tours (eg diving, fishing, 4WD, mountain bike, horse track tours; or motor boat rides; or scenic flights/cruises).

•ThemeParks–majortouristattractionswithaspecific,identifiable and consistent theme that attract high visitor numbersfrom a large catchment area. Does not include local sport and recreation facilities (such as go-karting, local amusement parks, skating rinks, bowling alleys, golf courses, mini golf, swimming complexes, sporting grounds, racecourses, trotting tracks).

•Architectural/EngineeringStructures-structuresregardedas major tourist attractions due to their size, high level of technological innovation or iconic cultural status (eg Snowy Mountains Scheme, Sea Cliff Bridge, Northern Wollongong).

•Otherattractionsnotspecifiedhere-majortouristattractionsthat do not easily fit within any of the above categories.

•StateSignificantattractions-attractionsthatenjoyaveryhighlevel (greater than 150 000 visitors per year) of visitation by local and overseas visitors, due to their size, nature or iconic status (eg Taronga Zoo Park, Blue Mountains World Heritage Area).

Establishments not eligible for tourist signage

Not all businesses that provide a service to tourists are eligible for signage as major tourist attractions. For example, shops, cafés/restaurants, accommodation establishments and sporting venues (eg golf courses, race courses) are not eligible for tourist attraction signposting under the provisions of the Tourist Signposting Manual. Some tourist attractions are more local in nature and while these may be eligible for signage on local roads, they may not meet all the necessary criteria for signposting on the RMS’s classified road system.

The following establishments are not eligible to apply for a ‘white on brown’ sign:

•Licensedclubs

•Amusementparks(exceptunderSection2.1.10)

•Communitysportingfacilities,egswimmingpools, golf courses, race courses

•Cinemas,theatresandshoppingcentres,and

•Touroperators

12. Local Identity/Specific themeA particular theme or local identity must be representedin the collection and displays. Applicants are required to demonstrate what displays they have in the museum and how they represent the theme.

13. Changing exhibitionsThere needs to be a regular change over of exhibitions.Applicants should provide a program of exhibitions planned. For more information contact the MGnsw.

14. Interpretive information - MuseumsThe provision and quality of supporting literature and explanatorymaterial are major criteria for selection. Such interpretive information is required at all attractions because it provides the opportunity for the visitor to engage with the attraction ie to learn the story of the site, understand why it is significant and/or learn more about what is being viewed/experienced.

To be eligible for signage as a major tourist attraction it is necessary to explain how the museum offers an engaging and informative experience for visitors. This could be achieved by demonstrating that there are staff or resources in place for interpretation, and a commitment to education, public programming and changing exhibitions. Different forms of information about the attraction should be available, with a mix of verbal and written material; attractions should not rely solely on the presence and knowledge of key personnel to tell their ‘story’. Possible interpretive material could include copies of brochures, leaflets, displays, books and other reference material, posters and labels that explain the artefacts on display, or legible photographs if copies cannot be provided. Photographs depicting the interior of the museum would also be of assistance.

15. Size of exhibition spaceThe exhibition space must be greater than 50m².Museums with exhibition spaces less than 50m² do not qualify for tourist signposting.

16. Presentation of exhibition spaceThe museum must be clean, tidy and well maintained. Applicants are required to provide recent photographs of the collection and displays. Applicants are required toprovide photographs of the exhibition space or spaces.

17. Qualified staffThe staff must have an understanding of the exhibitions on display. This includes extended experience as a volunteer, attendance at professional development workshops such as MGF or Museums Australia seminars, internships at museum institutions and formal qualifications. Applicants are required to profile their key staff. Local museums with static displays staffed infrequently by volunteers will not be considered as major tourist attractions. Please provide a statement outlining the experience and qualification of staff.

18. Demonstrations or activitiesIt is desirable that the museum presents some education or public program activities for visitors (for example… [Tourism to provide eg]) Please provide details of any educative activities offered for visitors. For Working Museums, there must be daily demonstrations of a processor technology. Please provide details of these.

19. Collection Policy/Mission StatementThe collection policy is a public document that guides the development and management of a museum’s collection. It specifies why, what, where, how and when the museum

of 16

collects, and how and why items may be deaccessioned from the collection. The collection policy includes a range of clauses or policy statements that provide a framework for making sound decisions about the development and use of the collection. The mission statement is a short statement that defines the main purpose or goals of the museum. There is a clear relationship between the mission and the collection policy. The development, use and interpretation of the collection are one of the key means by which the mission is fulfilled.

Museums hold collections in trust for the community, for their benefit and enjoyment today and in the future. The collection policy establishes an ethical framework for the museum’s work with the collection.

The contents of a collection policy will vary depending on the type of museum. Some museums, such as those with an in situ collection in a heritage building, may have a closed collection with policies that specify no new acquisitions, but these places still need a collection policy to manage the collection.

It is impossible for a museum to responsibly hold or develop collections unless there is a written, formally approved policy that is used in the day-to-day work of the museum. The existence of a collection policy is therefore an important (though not essential) criterion for determining whether your museum qualifies as a major tourist attraction. If you do not have a collection policy, Museums and Galleries NSW (www.mgnsw.org.au) can provide advice on how to prepare one.

20. Advertising / promotionOutline the type of advertising and promotion used by the museum. Please provide examples of any printed material used.

tasac application form - museums€¦ · museums must have a collection of adequate size and/or...

Documents