The Art Fund has announced it will increase its acquisition fund by 50% by 2014 alongside the launch of a pilot scheme to sponsor four new curators in regional museums.
In an announcement made at London’s Foundling Museum, Stephen Deucher, director of the Art Fund, said many museum directors were concerned that acquisitions would no longer be possible in light of local and national funding cuts.
He added: “Museums can’t stop collecting – acquisitions are the lifeblood of museums... and the Art Fund must and can do more to respond to this significant challenge.”
The announcement means funding for acquisitions will increase from £4.5m to about £7m. The increase in funding will largely be driven by changes to the Art Fund’s membership – including the launch of a new national art pass that entitles holders to free entry to 200 museums and galleries and 50% off entry to major exhibitions.
Deucher also announced a new curatorial scheme in partnership with the National Gallery in London. The scheme will begin in September, initially with two regional museums. The curators will undertake training on pre-1900 European painting at both the National Gallery and the regional museum partner.
Further details are expected over the next few weeks, with the application process opening in May.
At the launch, Nicholas Serota, director of the Tate, said: “Speaking on behalf of museums, not just the Tate, vitality is dependent on not only maintaining but also growing expertise and collections.”
And Jeremy Hunt, secretary of state for culture, Olympics, media and sport, said: “The Art Fund’s model shows that philanthropy is not just about rich individuals making donations; there are ways we can harness small donations from the public.”
In an announcement made at London’s Foundling Museum, Stephen Deucher, director of the Art Fund, said many museum directors were concerned that acquisitions would no longer be possible in light of local and national funding cuts.
He added: “Museums can’t stop collecting – acquisitions are the lifeblood of museums... and the Art Fund must and can do more to respond to this significant challenge.”
The announcement means funding for acquisitions will increase from £4.5m to about £7m. The increase in funding will largely be driven by changes to the Art Fund’s membership – including the launch of a new national art pass that entitles holders to free entry to 200 museums and galleries and 50% off entry to major exhibitions.
Deucher also announced a new curatorial scheme in partnership with the National Gallery in London. The scheme will begin in September, initially with two regional museums. The curators will undertake training on pre-1900 European painting at both the National Gallery and the regional museum partner.
Further details are expected over the next few weeks, with the application process opening in May.
At the launch, Nicholas Serota, director of the Tate, said: “Speaking on behalf of museums, not just the Tate, vitality is dependent on not only maintaining but also growing expertise and collections.”
And Jeremy Hunt, secretary of state for culture, Olympics, media and sport, said: “The Art Fund’s model shows that philanthropy is not just about rich individuals making donations; there are ways we can harness small donations from the public.”