£19.7m boost for libraries, theatres and museums

13 hours ago

Oprah FlashWest Midlands

The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley is among one of the sites to receive funding

Black Country Living Museum The image shows a historic canal-side industrial scene, likely part of an open‑air heritage site. The setting appears to recreate or preserve a 19th‑ or early 20th‑century working environment, with brick buildings and traditional transport. — The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley is among one of the sites to receive funding

Thirteen libraries, museums and theatres across the West Midlands are to enjoy a share of £19.7m in funding.

The cash has been provided by the government's Arts Everywhere Fund, in a bid to boost accessibility to arts and culture in communities across the UK.

Libraries run by the City of Wolverhampton Council, the Black Country Living Museum and the Royal Shakespeare Company are among those set to benefit.

"Cultural organisations across the West Midlands are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation," culture secretary Lisa Nandy, said.

"Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities, they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity.

"We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of the West Midlands."

In total, 130 organisations will receive a share of the funding, which can be used to help open up access to facilities, complete building projects and upgrade technology on sites.

The £19.7m, which has been administered and delivered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and has been divided into three funds.

The Creative Foundations Fund, has allocated £17.4m to seven theatres, performing arts venues, galleries and grassroots music venues.

Compton Verney in Warwick is the second museum to be given a share of the grant

Compton Verney A large historic country house stands beside a lake, with bright yellow daffodils in the foreground and manicured lawns and mature trees surrounding the building on a sunny day. — Compton Verney in Warwick is the second museum to be given a share of the grant

The Museum Estate and Development Fund (Mend) has seen a share of £1.2m being offered to Black Country Living Museum in Dudley and Compton Verney in Warwick.

The third pot of money, the Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF), has divided £974,000 between four library services in the region to aid with refurbishments and other improvements.

Liz Johnson, Midlands area director at Arts Council England, said: "We want everyone, in every part of the West Midlands, to have access to excellent art and culture.

"This vital investment will ensure our cherished venues are fit for purpose and continue to be enjoyed by people for many years to come."