By Ben Kerrigan-
Nearly 70 Museums and Libraries Across England are to benefit from a £33 Million Boost
In a bid to reinforce its commitment to cultural enrichment, the British government has announced a significant investment of over £33 million through the Cultural Investment Fund. This funding will breathe new life into nearly 70 organizations across England, ranging from iconic museums to cherished public libraries.
The allocations from this funding boost will support crucial upgrades, repairs, and digital infrastructure development in these cultural institutions. This strategic investment is poised to enhance visitor experiences and ensure that these establishments remain integral parts of their communities.
Among the notable beneficiaries are Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Newcastle Libraries, and Dinosaur Isle on the Isle of Wight. Dinosaur Isle, renowned for its internationally significant collection of dinosaurs, will receive substantial funding for structural repairs and environmental enhancements.
Newcastle Libraries, on the other hand, will utilize the funding to create a new reading facility within the Walker Activity Dome, aiming to expand access and foster community engagement. Similarly, Yorkshire Sculpture Park plans to restore its historic Cut Bridge, a vital element of the estate’s infrastructure and heritage.
Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, the Arts and Heritage Minister, emphasized the pivotal role of museums and libraries as the bedrock of communities, nurturing creativity, curiosity, and a passion for learning and the arts.
He underlined the government’s commitment to equitable access to culture across the nation, building on recent initiatives such as the £100 million Levelling Up funding for cultural and heritage projects.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, hailed the investment as crucial for ensuring museums’ continued service to their communities for years to come. He highlighted the profound impact of this funding on museums across England, enabling them to make tangible differences in people’s lives.
Mark Chesman, head of estates and projects at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, expressed gratitude for the support received, stressing the importance of capital grants in carrying out essential restoration works.
Christine Herriot, Director of City Operations, Neighbourhoods, and Regulatory Services at Newcastle City Council, welcomed the funding as fantastic news, emphasizing the evolving role of libraries as inclusive community spaces offering a wide array of services beyond traditional book lending.
The funding, distributed through the Museum Estate and Development Fund and the Libraries Improvement Fund, reflects the government’s dedication to enhancing cultural infrastructure nationwide.
The Libraries Improvement Fund, with a focus on modernizing public library services, has already catalyzed significant transformations in libraries across England.
Similarly, the Museum Estate and Development Fund aims to elevate visitor experiences, preserve heritage, and unlock income-generating opportunities for museums.
With this latest injection of funds, museums and libraries across England are poised to embark on transformative journeys, enriching lives and communities for generations to come.
On Sunday, the British Museum closed its doors to visitors early on Sunday after protesters staged a demonstration against climate change and in support of Palestine.