Library services, museums and other cultural venues invited to register interest to receive share of £128 million support

Cultural venues including museums, galleries and public libraries are being invited to register their interest ahead of the release of £128 million government funding.

The funding follows a previous allocation of £48 million to 60 organisations nationwide that helps to improve accessibility to the arts. Funding will also 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.

Support will be targeted to areas which have historically had lower levels of cultural investment as part of the government’s commitment to levelling up access to culture across the country and will be targeted on locally-led cultural projects, museums and public libraries in England.

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.