The UK government has launched a new £250 million fund for the culture and creative sector, which will benefit innovative cultural projects, libraries and museums.
More than £125 million of the fund will be invested in regional museums and libraries around the country, with more than £90 million given to extend the Cultural Development Fund.
A further £18.5 million of the Culture Investment Fund (CIF) has been allocated to York’s National Railway Museum. Another £7 million will go to Coventry and the UK City of Culture programme.
Culture Secretary, Nicky Morgan, said: “Creative and cultural institutions are at the heart of our communities.
“The Cultural Investment Fund is the government’s biggest ever single investment in cultural infrastructure, local museums and neighbourhood libraries and will benefit communities across the country.
Transforming the National Railway Museum in York
“This will help drive growth, rejuvenate high streets and attract tourists to our world-class cultural attractions.”
The CIF will provide funding for various projects across the country, including:
- Extending the Cultural Development Fund for another five years with more than £90m. This will allow more than 20 places to transform their local cultural and creative industry infrastructure.
- Starting the transformation of the National Railway Museum, which will include new gallery and exhibition spaces, improved accessibility and the restoration of heritage buildings.
- Major infrastructure and maintenance work at local and regional museums, safeguarding collections and local landmarks, and increasing opportunities for commercial and community use.
- Upgrading buildings and technology at public libraries.
- Further support for UK City of Culture 2021 to transform Coventry.
£125m will be invested in museums and libraries
Over the next five years, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will invest an additional £50 million annually in culture and creative industries across England.
The £250 million investment will be delivered by DCMS. Arts Council England (ACE) will play a key role in distributing the fund, while the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England will also have key roles.
Image: GOV.UK/Railway Museum
