£58.8 Million Boost for Culture Across England
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer today unveiled a huge cash injection for museums, cultural venues, and public libraries across England. Over 70 organisations will share a £58.8 million pot to upgrade venues, support local economies, and widen access to the arts — from Basildon to Bradford.
Big Wins for Basildon, Bradford, and Stoke-on-Trent
- Basildon gets £4.4 million to convert empty town centre buildings into a creative hub for screen, digital, TV, gaming, VFX, and animation industries.
- Bradford, gearing up for City of Culture 2025, will receive £4.9 million to redevelop the Kala Sangam intercultural arts centre and develop a network of local arts hubs.
- Stoke-on-Trent’s Potteries Museum is awarded £5 million for a new extension to improve access and support education and wellbeing projects.
Levelling Up Culture for All
Lucy Frazer, Culture Secretary, said: “This investment will help to level up access to arts and culture for everyone, no matter where they live. Culture brings us joy, creates lifelong memories, boosts tourism, supports local business, and drives economic growth.”
“This funding will help brilliant arts organisations to upgrade their venues and create new projects at the heart of their communities.”
Arts Council England will deliver the fund, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The investment builds on previous government support, including a £1.6 billion Culture Recovery Fund and extended tax reliefs for theatre, orchestras, museums and galleries.
Other Cultural Projects Bag Funding
- Walsall: £3.7 million to redevelop the Grade II* listed Guildhall and launch a 3-year cultural programme to revive the town centre.
- Barnsley’s Cannon Hall: Nearly £900,000 to protect its Grade II* listed Georgian house and fine art collection.
- Essex County Council: £337,500 to transform Colchester Library’s first floor into a hands-on learning and play space for families.
- Stockton-on-Tees: £50,000 to upgrade library technology and programmes, boosting digital access.
This latest cash splash promises to supercharge England’s cultural scene, helping communities thrive with fresh creative energy right on their doorstep.
