MDUK and Art Fund Covid-19 Recovery Funding
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Museum Development UK and The Art Fund worked in partnership to distribute recovery funding to museums across the UK.
The priority was to support the recovery phase of small to medium sized museums. These museums are often located in areas of low cultural engagement; the main cultural offer in a locality; or based in urban areas with niche collections and specific cultural offers outside large city institutions.
Recovery grants were awarded between July and December 2020 at the discretion of Museum Development providers based on urgency of need, project description and research, understanding of audience needs, track record of managing funds, value for money, evidence of strategic planning, organisational sustainability, and impact on communities.
The investment programme supported organisational resilience and helped museums to re-open safely and effectively, to meet audience needs and expectations and to develop a sustainable offer for the future.
A report on awards and grant distribution is available here.
Making Her Mark exhibition launch, Hackney Museum © Hackney Council
Black Lives Matter
Museum Development UK (MDUK) stands in solidarity with Black Communities which include museum employees, volunteers and visitors.
As Museum Development providers we recognise our role, alongside that of museums, to develop an inclusive sector that challenges and opposes racism.
Arts Council England, and Museums Galleries Scotland have issued statements in support of the Movement. MDUK is currently taking time to reflect and initiate new dialogues to explore meaningful and sustainable actions.
We WILL actively listen, educate ourselves and take action.
Further information about our commitment to diversity and inclusion can be found within our aims.
Recent blog posts
London Museum Development: Training museums during Covid-19
Elizabeth Coningsby, Museum Development Officer, Training, reflects on how the London Museum Development team has adapted its training and development programme to support museums in lockdown. London Museum Development manages the Skills Plus and Digital Futures training programmes for all paid and unpaid staff working for non-National (and non-NPO), Accredited museums in the London region, […]
MDN seeking new logo
Museum Development Network is seeking a designer or design agency to develop 2 distinct logos: a new logo for the Network and a separate logo for Museum Development in England. Each logo should have a distinct design that reflects the nuanced difference and connection between the national Network and the Museum Development Programme in England. […]
Reopening Guidance for Museums
Good Practice Guidelines for Reopening Museums after 4 July 2020 The National Museum Directors’ Council (NMDC) with support from DCMS and the Museums and Galleries Working Group, has published the Good Practice Guidance for Reopening Museums. It is intended to help employers, employees, the self-employed and volunteers in the museum sector in England understand how to […]