130 cultural venues to receive funding to boost access to the arts

130 cultural venues, museums and libraries are set to receive a share of £130 million to boost access to arts and culture.

Beneficiaries include The Lowry Centre in Salford, The Hexagon in Reading and the Royal Shakespeare Company in Warwickshire.

Venues will receive funding to help open up access to facilities, complete much needed building projects and upgrade technology on site.

The projects are the first to receive funding from the Arts Everywhere Fund.

The £127.8 million is made up of three funds. £96 million from the  Creative Foundations Fund (CFF) will go to 74 arts and cultural venues to help theatres, performing arts venues, galleries and grassroots music venues address urgent infrastructure needs. For example, the Lowry Centre Trust in Salford has been awarded £8.5 million to replace escalators with new lifts, providing step-free access to galleries and opening up more of the building.

The Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) has allocated a share of £25.5 million to support 28 museums to undertake vital infrastructure works, and improve the visitor experience.  Black Country Living Museum in Dudley has been awarded £454,159 to safeguard key historic buildings, ensuring they remain safe and open for visitors while preserving the region’s unique heritage.

The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) has allocated a share of £6.3 million to 28 library services to help upgrade buildings and technology to better meet the needs of the community.

Derbyshire Libraries which use £440,000 to refurbish three sites to create more welcoming, flexible spaces for community use, including bookable rooms and areas for local activities.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: "Across the country, people take real pride in where they come from. Our local arts, museums and libraries are a big part of that, telling our stories, reflecting who we are, and bringing communities together.

"That’s why our Arts Everywhere Fund matters. We’re backing the places people care about most, with support for 130 venues across the country announced today.

"Arts and culture aren’t a luxury for a privileged few. They are for everyone, everywhere. They bring people together, open doors, and support our shared sense of belonging. That’s the role they can play as we build a stronger future for our country."

Arts Council England Chair Sir Nicholas Serota said: "Arts organisations, museums and libraries are the beating heart of our communities.

"After significant financial pressures in recent years, this vital investment will help organisations to secure futures where they thrive and not just survive.

"We look forward to seeing these cultural spaces flourish as they continue to provide access to excellent art and culture for everyone, everywhere, for many years to come."