The project organisers behind the Victoria and Albert Museum’s (V&A) Dundee outpost have revealed details of the funding model, including an aim to secure £15m from the Scottish government.
“The target is to attract £45m from three, roughly equal, tranches,” said a project spokesman. “These are the Scottish government; public bodies (Heritage Lottery Fund, European Union and other grant-giving sources); and private donors including individuals, companies, and trusts and foundations.”
The Scottish government was set to confirm its funding allocation in its draft budget bill as Museums Journal went to press.
Last month, Japanese architect Kengo Kuma beat five rivals to win the competition to design the new building on the banks of the river Tay. But some local commentators expressed concerns.
“As [the Kuma scheme] is perhaps the largest and most ambitious of the six shortlisted designs, we understand the reservations that have been expressed by some over whether it can be built within budget,” said Tom Devaney, chairman of the Dundee Civic Trust heritage group. “Nevertheless, we wholeheartedly support the project.”
Design Dundee – a partnership between the V&A, University of Dundee, University of Abertay Dundee, Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise – is behind the V&A Dundee initiative.
The V&A will not fund the project, but has agreed to send at least two touring exhibitions to Dundee annually. The museum, which is to open in late 2014, will also host international travelling shows, while a Design Scotland Gallery will feature works by homegrown contemporary practitioners.
“Dundee City Council has contributed by providing the site for the building, while Scottish Enterprise and the universities are contributing in terms of expertise and staff resources,” added the project spokesman.