Request for Proposals - Statewide Study of Public and Private Museums

Empire State Development (ESD) is seeking the services of a qualified firm to conduct a statewide study of public and private museums. Utilizing definitions of public and private museums set forth by the New York State Board of Regents, the selected firm shall assist ESD in determining the best mechanism to gather museum data regarding topics such as funding sources and visitor statistics. The selected firm will also be responsible to study the benefits and shortfalls of museum funding sources and provide recommendations on systems, regulations, reporting, and funding structures to benefit the museum industry. 

While New York State has a list of museums across the State chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, a centralized data system or tracking mechanism of visitation statistics, funding mechanisms, and collections does not exist. At a glance, the State has a wide range of institutions that differ, not only in collection, but size and scope of funding support and visitation. Several institutions throughout the State also have limited staff and ability to consistently track data such as; visitor profiles, research funding opportunities, or apply for grants.

Several State agencies, including ESD, work with museums on a variety of levels, including  marketing and promotion, educational purposes, research, and funding support, and while the State has recognized the importance of museums to the State’s economy, a comprehensive study of the industry has yet to be engaged.

To determine where State support would be most effectively utilized, more information from museums is needed. Such an undertaking would require the help of an outside firm to determine which data might be extracted in the most efficient and productive way. Once that information is gathered, the outside firm would also be expected to produce a comprehensive analysis and report of recommendations to ESD and New York State Agency partners.