Art Fund, the UK’s largest arts charity, is to invest in small and medium-sized museums across the country through its new programme, Going Places.
Museums in the programme will work with other museums and their local communities to create new and innovative touring exhibitions.
In the project’s first phase, Art Fund will establish five groups of between three and five museums. Each of these networks will develop bespoke touring exhibitions. The second phase of the programme is due to start in 2025 and will run for five years
“Through our growing range of support for collaborative initiatives, Art Fund recognises the value of touring and sharing collections as one of the most inclusive and sustainable ways of bringing art to new audiences,” said Jenny Waldman, director of Art Fund.
Applications for Going Places are now open and must be made on the Art Fund website by 24 November.
Applicants are encouraged to attend network-building workshops in September and October, which are taking place in person and online.
The programme will include funding for each network of museums to deliver up to two touring exhibitions. Additionally, each group will receive training and mentoring in community engagement and exhibition planning.
“These museums are integral to their place, allowing under-served communities a chance to engage with these collections,” said Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Create new and innovative touring exhibitions
“Through this project, these museums will be able to support one another in developing their skills and resources to plan towards their future, particularly bolstering their programming through touring exhibitions.”
Glasgow’s Burrell Collection was recently named Art Fund’s Museum of the Year. Waldman described the museum as “a world-class collection displayed in an inspirational building, in harmony with the surrounding landscape”.
“This museum is truly for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
Image courtesy of the Horniman Museum and Gardens
