CyMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales

What is CyMAL?

CyMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales is a division of the Welsh Assembly Government. CyMAL represents a significant investment by the Assembly Government in the development of local museums, archives and libraries services to meet 21st century needs.

What does CyMAL do?

• Provides advice and support to local museums, archives and libraries in Wales
• Provides specialist advice on improving access, learning and information and communication technology (ICT)
• Supports and develops professional standards, expertise and skills
• Administers Assembly Government grant schemes and provides advice on other sources of funding
• Develops research and baseline information across the sector
• Is the Sponsorship Division for the National Library of Wales and Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales.

CyMAL also advises the Minister for Heritage on:

• The Government Indemnity Scheme (GIS). This enables Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales and the National Library of Wales, and some non-national institutions, to borrow objects where the cost of commercial insurance for the quantity and quality of items loaned would be prohibitive, by giving undertakings to the lenders.
• The Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) scheme. This enables taxpayers to transfer works of art and important heritage objects into public ownership in whole or part settlement of inheritance tax.

Advisory Council

The Minister for Heritage chairs the CyMAL Advisory Council which has 12 members. Four members of the Council serve in an ex officio capacity representing Archives and Record Council Wales, the National Library of Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, and the Welsh Local Government Association.