£20m regional museum fund opens for applications

A new £20m fund announced by the government in February has opened for applications.

The Museum Renewal Fund is for regional museums with a ‘local authority link’.

Funding is available to improve access to collections and buildings, as well as to support community programmes and work with schools.

The grant programme is being delivered by Arts Council England and runs until March 2026. Applications can be made through the Grantium portal.

Arts minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “Our local and civic museums are the storytellers of our nation’s history, with a shared mission to educate, inspire and entertain. 

“I am delighted that we have been able to provide this support, helping them to continue to flourish.”

ACE chair Nicholas Serota added that the fund “will help these cherished institutions address immediate pressures and enable them to look ahead and plan a sustainable future serving their communities”.