The Young Graduates for Museums and Galleries scheme is seeking new sources of funding after several partners dropped out.
The scheme, which provides internships for 16-19-year-olds in national museums and galleries, is funded by its partner institutions, which include the British Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.
Partners contribute varying amounts each year. The scheme had 11 partners in 2008, but the Petrie Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum and the Wallace Collection were unable to participate last year.
Programme director Matthew Gansallo said the uncertain financial outlook was partly to blame, and as well as looking for new partners he was also exploring private sources of funding.
Since 2005 nearly 200 students have completed the programme.
