Peace Museum launches urgent fundraising appeal

The Peace Museum in Bradford is hoping to raise £10,000 in an “urgent fundraising appeal”.

The museum reopened last year at a new home in Salts Mill, Saltaire, after a four-year closure.

In a statement on its website, the museum said it urgently needs to raise £10,000 in order to continue its vital work “against the backdrop of turbulent global conditions and a highly challenging funding landscape”.

It said the funding would enable it to “keep the museum open and free for all”, preserve its collection and continue its education and engagement work.

The museum, which used to be based in nearby Bradford, explores the history of peace, peacemakers, social reform and peace movements. Its 16,000-strong collection features banners, personal objects, campaign materials and artworks donated by people and organisations all over the world.

It said: “As the only peace museum in the country, we play a vital role in building a peaceful society. Against the backdrop of turbulent global conditions and a highly challenging funding landscape, we need your support now more than ever.”

The museum has been pledged £5,000 in match funding from the charitable fundraising website, the Big Give.

This means every £1 donated will be doubled between Tuesday 18 March to Tuesday 25 March.

The museum said it had seen a “vast surge in people wanting to engage in our work in these critical times”.

Áine McKenny, marketing and communications manager at museum, said:  “Our impact is huge, but we can do so much more. We’re looking to raise a total of £10,000. This will enable us to keep our doors open and free for everyone. In order to access the £5,000 we have in the matching pot, we need to raise £5,000 in online donations.

“If you were ever thinking about supporting the Peace Museum, this is a fantastic way to increase the impact of your donation. We hope everyone will give generously to help us reach our target and enable us to carry on the work we all feel so passionately about.”

The museum is currently closed for a seasonal break and will reopen on Thursday 3 April.