Culture in England is getting a boost as museums, galleries, and other cultural venues are set to receive £270m in funding from the government. The money is aimed at helping these institutions stay afloat and address issues with their deteriorating buildings. This funding is crucial for attractions that are in urgent need of financial support to continue operating and make essential infrastructure improvements, according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Museums in areas like Derby, Birmingham, and Hampshire have been highlighted as being in a precarious financial position, with the looming threat of having to sell off collections or shut down. This funding comes after a decline in core funding for arts and cultural organizations in the UK between 2010 and 2023. The government’s decision to allocate this funding underscores the importance of supporting these cultural institutions and ensuring their sustainability for the future.
A significant portion of the £270m funding will be allocated to 17 major institutions, including renowned establishments such as the British Museum, National Gallery, and National Museums Liverpool. These institutions will also see a 5% increase in their annual grants, totaling over £15m. While this additional funding is welcomed by major institutions, smaller cultural organizations that rely on grants from Arts Council England have struggled with stagnant funding levels for the past ten years and will not benefit from the grant increase.
Additionally, a portion of the funding will support urgent capital works for venues across the country, with £85m earmarked for the 2025/26 financial year. Local museums are also set to receive a £20m fund to help preserve and keep civic museums open. The funding announcement was made in Stratford-upon-Avon by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first arts White Paper, emphasizing the government’s commitment to nurturing the arts and cultural sector in Britain
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