Cultural venues to receive £128 million to improve access to arts

Cultural venues across the UK, including libraries and museums, are being invited to register their interest in applying for a share of £128 million government funding.

Funding will help to ensure that community-focused cultural assets can be safeguarded for the future and help protect local heritage for future generations, while also supporting the economic benefits that libraries and museums can bring to their local area.

Organisations will also be able to access funding to improve accessibility to the arts, with support targeted to areas with historically low engagement and government investment as part of the government’s Levelling-Up Agenda and commitment to ensure access to culture nationwide through locally-led projects.

The latest funding round follows a previous allocation of £48 million to 60 organisations across the country.

Arts Minister Lord Parkinson said:

“Cultural institutions form the heart of communities across the country and it is important that we provide them with the support they need.

“This funding will help make culture more accessible to everyone, including people who may not have enjoyed its benefits before, as well as supporting vital maintenance work to secure the future of many venues. It is an important part of our plan to level up the country, for the benefit of everybody.”

Darren Henley chief executive of Arts Council England said:

“Artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries have the power to animate and energise villages, towns and cities in amazing and innovative ways.

“This new investment in culture and creativity will help people across the country to enjoy happier lives.”

Funding on offer will be split across three streams: the £30.8 million Cultural Development Fund, aimed at improve access to the arts in areas of traditionally low engagement; the £20.5 million Libraries Improvement Fund to support upgrades to buildings and investment in digital infrastructure, and; the £60.3 million Museum Estate and Development Fund to support maintenance and infrastructure works beyond their day-to-day running.