BAHAWALPUR MUSEUM: SWOT ANALYSIS.

摘要

Museums are a source of cultural preservation, intellectual stimulation and entertainment in the society. Bahawalpur Museum is playing a significant part for the preservation and promotion of rich Cholistani traditions and culture in the Southern Punjab. It has arranged different galleries named Pakistan Movement Gallery, Islamic Art Gallery, Quran Gallery, Bahawalpur Gallery, Coin Gallery, Archeological Gallery, Cholistan Gallery, Regional Cultural Gallery, Manuscript Gallery and Fabric Gallery which reflect the glorious culture of Islam and Cholistan. Museum organizes different programs like seminars, debates, workshops, Bahar (Spring) festival and musical Night comprises of Band, Camel & Horse Dance, Magic show Tableau and Folk Music. The data for this study was collected through semi-structured interview technique with the Director and other staff, guided tour of the Museum and researchers' direct observation. SWOT analysis pointed out that it has positive policies and frameworks for promoting the Cholistani culture. It is offering different activities for students from Nursery to Master level. It organizes different historical and artistic exhibitions and ensures the total involvement of local community. Inadequate finance, non availability of tourist department, insufficient chemical laboratory, less space and dilapidated building of the Museum are the major weaknesses. It has a lot of opportunities for attracting more visitors by establishing tourists department, to create partnership with other institutions, achieving more funds from NGOs and international donors, publicizing and soliciting funds by utilizing Web 2.0 technologies. Threats for the Museum include low use of new technologies, low interest of government in this industry, poor economic support and untrained staff. On the basis of SWOT analysis, the study has furnished some recommendations for the achievement of Museum's objectives and provision of better services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]