£250 million Culture Investment Fund launched

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan has announced that innovative cultural projects, libraries, museums and creative industries will benefit from £250 million of new funding.

Of this, over £125 million will be invested in regional museums and libraries around the country, while more than £90 million will be provided to extend the Cultural Development Fund by another five years, which uses investment in heritage, culture and creativity to drive regeneration and growth.

A further £18.5 million has been allocated to York’s National Railway Museum, and an extra £7 million for Coventry and the UK City of Culture programme.

Morgan said: “Creative and cultural institutions are at the heart of our communities. The Cultural Investment Fund is the Government’s biggest ever single investment in cultural infrastructure, local museums and neighbourhood libraries and will benefit communities across the country. This will help drive growth, rejuvenate high streets and attract tourists to our world-class cultural attractions.”

Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chairman of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “Government is right to recognise that culture is one of the key things that places need if they are to thrive. Councils believe every community should be able to easily access and benefit from high quality cultural organisations, including museums and libraries. Local libraries play a significant role as community hubs, encouraging creativity, improving skills and knowledge, boosting wellbeing and supporting economic growth.

“However, many buildings are not well suited to the needs of modern communities. Some museums are now also in a perilous state and the LGA has long called for the investment needed to unlock their full potential to educate, improve health and wellbeing, and to celebrate local and national heritage. This funding will help libraries and museums to adapt, reach even wider audiences, and continue their roles at the heart of the community. Government’s investment in culture through the High Streets Fund, Historic High Streets Fund, Cultural Development Fund, and now this funding is much needed.”