Don't know how successful approaches to politicians would be - Norman Buchan never had a great deal of luck - and don't forget the blessed Kim Howells.
In Ireland the Arts Council has come up trumps with two extremely thoughtful and positive reports on traditional music, though it has helped that there is an extremely healthy scene here capable of attacting visitors from abroad. We're still awaiting developments but we do have the magnificent Irish Traditional Music Archive in Dublin.
It does help to lay out your stall well and to show that you are serious about what you propose.
Some time ago Pat and I were involved in helping to set up a national archive in the UK. There was some progress with the 'Bright Golden Store' project at the British Library, but there's still a great deal more to be done.
Jim Carroll