“Even the smallest amount can make a difference to small and local organisations as they adjust their offer to reopen effectively and remain relevant to audiences going forward. These funds will make a significant impact on smaller museums that are highly valued community assets”

Claire Browne, MDUK Chair.

 

In a new and innovative partnership, Art Fund has contributed £280,000 to Museum Development Recovery Grant programmes. The funding will reach museums across all nations of the UK who have not yet received emergency public funding or smaller museums fulfilling specific cultural and local needs.

Open for applications from the end of June 2020, the partnership will offer grants up to £10,000 depending on regional and national circumstances. The funding will support effective reopening, reengaging audiences and developing new sustainable offers as museums plan for reopening from 4 July 2020.

Museums that have been unable to access existing emergency funds due to capacity, timing or ineligibility may include independent museums, museums officially working towards accreditation and small local authority museums.

The priority will be to support the recovery phase for museums:

  • located in areas of low cultural engagement
  • that are the main cultural offer in their locality
  • in urban areas with niche collections and specific cultural offers outside of the larger city institutions.

Museum Development providers will distribute the grants and match fund the Art Fund’s contribution by more that £200,000. In Wales, recovery grants will be distributed through the Federation of Museums and Galleries Wales.

For full details, eligibility and to apply, contact your local Museum Development provider.