Leicester’s museums are in line to get more than £1.2million of extra Arts Council England funding over the next three years.
The city council’s museums service was today announced as a member of the Arts Council’s National Portfolio of funded organisations, which means it will now benefit from extra Arts Council England investment.
The funding will be used to deliver a three-year programme of activities aimed at under-represented audiences, including children and young people. It will also help fund the initial development of plans for a new climate change gallery at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery and support more exhibitions that celebrate the city’s history and the Story of Leicester.
The conditional offer of £407,360 per year for three years is subject to negotiation, which will be finalised with Arts Council England.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair, who leads on culture and leisure, said: “We are delighted to secure ongoing funding as a National Portfolio organisation from Arts Council England.
“This vital support will allow us to further enhance the exhibitions and activities that people can enjoy at Leicester’s wonderful museums and help ensure that we continue to offer a dynamic and inclusive programme that appeals right across the city, and beyond.”
Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director for Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Leicester Museum Services for the next three years. It’ll be great to see them continue to use museum collections to bring the past to life and tell stories of the local community’s rich history.”
In total, Leicester’s museums will receive £1,222,080 over the next three years, supporting programming and activities from April 2023 to March 2026.
This is the third time that Leicester City Council has been successful in securing National Portfolio funding.
Leicester’s museums service is one of 21 arts organisations in the city to be awarded a share of the latest round of the Arts Council’s National Portfolio.
