Museums in England will be able to apply in May for a share of £25m funding for vital maintenance and repairs.
Now in its fifth round, the Museums Estate and Development Fund (Mend) will open for expressions of interest on 12 May.
The UK Government confirmed this week that it will allocate £25m to Mend this year. The funding decision was first announced in February as part of the government’s new £270m Arts Everywhere Fund.
Accredited museums will be able to apply for grants of between £50,000 to £5m for essential infrastructure projects and urgent maintenance backlogs. The fund aims to protect collections and buildings while improving the visitor experience and museums’ resilience.
The funding for museums was announced alongside £5.5m for the Libraries Improvement Fund, which supports similar projects in libraries.
“Local museums are the storytellers of our nation’s rich history and creative heritage, providing precious civic spaces that attract millions of visitors every year, whilst public libraries play a key role in communities by providing access to spaces where everyone can work and learn,” said culture minister Chris Bryant.
“Our Plan for Change will support these vital institutions to boost opportunity for all. I’m delighted that this investment into museums and libraries will fund repairs and upgrades to their infrastructure, improving the experience for visitors and ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Arts Council England chief executive Darren Henley added: “Museums and libraries are cherished cultural spaces in villages, towns and cities across the country where people come together, share ideas and make discoveries. This new investment in museums and libraries will help secure their future for years to come.”