Museums and gallery get £272,000 funding boost

IMPACT: Ferens Art Gallery. Picture by Tom Arran

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

The city’s culture sector has received a “vital” boost after up to £272,095 of funding was awarded to Hull Museums and Gallery.

The funding, from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), via Arts Council England’s Museum Renewal Fund, supports local authority-linked museums in strengthening their operational resilience and enhancing public engagement.

The award will help the venues to continue delivering high-quality cultural experiences, Hull City Council said.

It will support staffing costs, helping to sustain dedicated engagement teams who play a vital role in welcoming visitors and connecting them with the collections. It also enables investment into long-term improvements that will enhance the visitor experience and diversify income streams.

The investment is part of a total of £20m of funding announced by the Government for 75 civic museums nationwide.

Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy said: “This funding is fantastic news for Hull, and I’m especially pleased to see the city among the beneficiaries.

“Our museums are at the heart of our cultural and community life. They tell the story of who we are, rooted in our sense of place and community, and looking ahead to a bold, creative future.

“These funds will help safeguard jobs, expand education programmes, and ensure that people across Hull can continue to access and celebrate our rich local heritage. Supporting our museums is not just about preserving the past, it’s about investing in the future of our towns and communities.”

Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at the city council, said: “We want to ensure that everyone in Hull can enjoy access to world-class collections. To support this commitment and meet growing expectations for programming and visitor services, the funding will help enhance opportunities for public support and improve retail and hospitality offers.

“This investment marks an exciting step forward in building a more sustainable and inclusive future for our museums and gallery.”

Jane Avison, Hull Museums and Gallery manager, said: “This funding is a vital boost for Hull Museums and Gallery.

“It allows us to protect the roles of our talented engagement teams while investing in the future of our service. We’re excited to build a more resilient and responsive museum experience that continues to put our visitors at the heart of everything we do.”