Leeds museums receive almost £1 million in essential funding boost
The city’s museums have secured a huge funding boost to help safeguard their future.
In news that will put a smile on your face, Leeds Museums and Galleries have today been awarded a total of £952,000 following a successful bid for a share of the Museum Renewal Fund distributed by Arts Council England.
The fund is aimed at providing urgent support to museums and galleries that are owned and maintained by local authority funding.
It helps to deliver projects to safeguard vital community engagement and ensure continued public access.
The crucial funding will support a total of ten inspiring projects being planned by Leeds Museums and Galleries, which is one of the country’s largest local authority run museums and galleries services.
One of the main focuses will be on Abbey House Museum, aiming to produce a long-term development plan that will work towards safeguarding the museum’s future.
Also benefiting from the funding award will be Leeds Art Gallery, aiming to redevelop the gallery and create a larger world-renowned site.
David Hopes, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ head of service, said: “We are so grateful to Arts Council England for their continued support and these essential funds to help stabilise our future.
“These development projects will see us make long term plans with the people of Leeds for the sustainability of their museum service, as well as providing fantastic visitor experiences and meaningful engagement for the people of the city and beyond.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “This funding award is fantastic news for our museums and galleries and a massive endorsement of the superb work they are doing to showcase history, heritage and culture to hundreds of thousands of people every year.
“Securing this hugely important funding will support our dedicated and passionate teams on site to form exciting plans for the future, creating a series of new, and engaging experiences for our visitors and showcasing Leeds as a top cultural destination.”
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Featured image – Leeds City Council