A delegation of British museums and attractions experts put together by The British Council is currently visiting China to assist the nation in developing its museums industry.

Organised by the Chinese National Collaboration Project on the Science Museum Industry, during the two week trip – from 3-14 August – the six delegates will visit museums and address museum and science leaders at seminars in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing.

The delegation is being led by projects manager Orlando Edwards of the British Council, who will be remaining in China until 23 August, before preparing a report for the council on his return.

Jane Weeks, head of creative industries for the British Council, said the delegation included consultants who may be able to offer their services as well as science centre directors.

"There is enormous public interest in science in China," said Weeks. "Although the country has long been a leader in science development, the idea of people having a hands-on involvement is new, so we are working closely with the British Council in China to help set up science centres."

The delegation members are Melanie Quin, executive director of ECSITE-UK; Tristram Besterman, director of the Manchester Museum, University of Manchester; Linda Conlon, director of Life Science Centre; Stephen Pizzey, director of Science Projects and Herstmonceux; Moira Gemmill, head of design, Victoria & Albert Museum and Juliana Delaney, director of Continuum Group.

Conlon said: “China currently has around 2,000 museums and plans to build another 1,000 by 2010, with the aim of having at least one fully-functional museum for every large or medium-sized city.

“The government is keen for these museums to aim to be self-funding and is therefore encouraging officials to learn from successful examples in the UK.”

The British Council aims to do more work in China to develop its museums industry over the coming year.

Juliana Delaney will be writing about the Chinese museums sector and her experience as part of the delegation for the next issue of Attractions Management.