Arts Council England (ACE) has been urged by the Museums Association (MA) to abandon its "risky and untested" core museums model as part of its New Renaissance strategy.

In its submission to the arts agency, the MA said it did not believe there was support for the concept and that there was "little merit" in distinguishing between core and non-core sites. A total of 13 points have been set out by the MA, which calls on ACE to introduce a holistic approach to investment and one that focuses on transformation and resilience to boost attractions’ impact.

The submission also recommends that future investment in the museums sector should also help encourage coalitions to enhance strength and reach, as well as driving efficiencies. MA head of policy and communications Maurice Davies said: "What we are saying is that ACE funding should be open to more museums rather than be restricted to a handful of core museums.

"We want a single, simple funding stream that every museum can apply for. We don't need core museums or a separate Designation Challenge Fund."