Cultural venues across the UK have been offered financial support to safeguard collections for future generations. We examine the impact the £60 million investment will have for local communities.
Today, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer announced that the Cultural Investment Fund will support over 70 cultural venues, museums and libraries across England.
Financial boost set to improve people’s access to arts
The £60 million boost is set to improve people’s access to arts, support local economic growth through culture and safeguard vital local collections for future generations. The financial boost is part of the government’s plans to give everyone the opportunity to access the UK’s world-renowned culture.
The £58.8 million pot will be delivered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and shared among cultural venues. £32.4 million has been disturbed to eight different Cultural Development Fund projects, £4.9 million has gone to 27 projects as part of the Libraries Improvement Fund and £21.4 million has been handed to 36 museums through the Museum Estate and Development Fund, the government said.
Basildon Borough Council to receive £4.4 million to support digital industries
Bradford, dubbed the UK’s City of Culture 2025, will receive £4.9 million to redevelop the intercultural arts centre, known as Kala Sangam, as well as other cultural assets.
Stoke-on-Trent to receive £5 million to transform The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, located in Stoke-on-Trent, will receive £5 million to develop a wrap-around extension that seeks to improve facilities and accessibility while supporting local education, health and wellbeing projects.
“This investment will help to level up access to arts and culture for everyone”
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:
“This investment will help to level up access to arts and culture for everyone, no matter where they live.
“Culture helps us create lifelong memories with our families and friends, provides entertainment and joy, and allows us to explore the world around us in new and exciting ways. It can also boost tourism, support local business and drive local economic growth.”
“This funding will support brilliant arts organisations to upgrade their venues and create new projects that will be at the heart of their communities.”
“Support recovery and growth and unlock creative potential”
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England said:
“Investment in creativity and culture is a catalyst for improving well-being and raising aspirations, reinvigorating pride in communities, regenerating high streets and local economies, and bringing people together. We are pleased to play a part in delivering the Cultural Investment Fund and this £58 million investment will help create new, or improve existing, cultural buildings and spaces in our villages, towns and cities. By doing so it will support recovery and growth and unlock the creative potential of those who live and work in communities across England.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said:
“Culture, heritage and the arts all contribute to people’s sense of belonging and place. These grants will help to reinforce this and we welcome them.”
Final thought
Today’s announcement follows a big boost for the cultural sector in the Spring Budget that saw an extension of tax reliefs for theatres, orchestras, as well as museum and gallery exhibitions for another two years.
Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, said: “We’re grateful to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and DCMS Secretary of State Lucy Frazer for their continued recognition of the important role that our theatres, orchestras, opera and dance companies, museums and galleries play in the life of our nation.”
Today’s announcement, alongside the Spring Budget tax reliefs, will enable cultural organisations to continue to innovate, create new, or improve existing, cultural buildings and spaces, and safeguard vital local collections for future generations. The investment will not only promote economic growth and put Bradford on the map for culture capital, but give everyone, no matter where they live, the access and wider participation to the UK’s vibrant culture.