Joint Museum Sector Statement on £1.57bn Funding for Culture

Joint museum sector statement from the National Museum Directors' Council, Association of Independent Museums and the Museums Association

We welcome the Government’s announcement of £1.57bn for the culture and heritage sector. 

Across the country museums have worked tirelessly to provide entertainment, education and solace to the British public during the crisis and the levels of engagement with museums have proven that these organisations are more needed than ever, however they have done this against a background of incredible uncertainty about the future.  

As museums across the country begin to re-open over the coming months, they will play a crucial role in the recovery as towns, city centres and rural economies begin to open-up following the lockdown. 

This funding is a signal that the Government is committed to supporting our essential national and regional institutions through this challenging time. The capital investment will help avert a secondary crisis for existing grant holders that are already part way through capital initiatives, ensuring that these vital projects can deliver their intended public benefits.

We hope that this package marks a sea change in the Government's commitment to securing a sustainable future for the museum sector and in realising the ambition of ensuring people in every corner of the UK are able to enjoy and participate in culture. 

Monday 6 July 2020