Members of the Executive have made representations to bodies in the UK and Europe to promote the work of the Group and the issues facing museums in the field of copyright. Meetings have been conducted with representatives from the DCMS, the DTI and Patent Office, the Publishers’ Association, the Irish Government’s Department of Culture and the European Commission. The Group initiated a critical response from the NMDC to the Draft Directive on the Harmonisation of Copyright.

The Group was instrumental in securing support for amendments favourable to the cultural sector which, although not implemented as part of the mandatory provisions of the new legislation, were an important achievement and leave the way clear for possible future amendments.

The Group also provides a voice for museums and galleries interests in other industries, particularly through BAPLA (British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies), with other sectors – particularly libraries and archives – and with organisations overseas (American Museums Association and the Canadian Museums Association).