Government announces bumper £1.5 billion package to restore national pride

This article was first published by the UK Government.

ICOM UK welcomes this additional funding for museums in recognition of their work in bridging divides and increasing opportunities in communities

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced that £1.5 billion will be invested to save more than 1000 cherished arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings across England from closure. The move will fix urgent capital needs and open up access to culture for everyone, everywhere. 

As the cost of living continues to affect families across Britain, funding for our treasured cultural venues will ensure vital, affordable and welcoming spaces are available for communities to come together and celebrate what makes their local area special. Another investment this Government is putting in place to support families with the cost of living.

This cash boost will help restore national pride in community assets, bring people together and support no or low-cost options for days out as part of the government’s drive to support families with the cost of living. Six DCMS sponsored museums are in the top ten most visited sites in the UK offering free access for millions of Brits each year with this package helping to offer opportunities to engage in culture for families across every community in England. 

This will help to build on the government’s Plan For Change by increasing opportunities for people to engage in and experience world class arts and culture, and learn about their local history, their heritage and their neighbours, in every town and city across the country.