Applications are now open for the latest £4 million DCMS/Wolfson fund, which is open for museums and galleries in England.
The new round of funding, spread over the next two years, will see grants of up to £300,000 available towards eligible capital projects.
The Fund is open to bids from museums, museum services and galleries in England with Designated collections, accredited museums and museum services that are or have been members of an Arts Council England development scheme (National Portfolio Organisations; Major Partner Museums; Renaissance), and museums and galleries sponsored by DCMS.
Projects eligible include those for material improvements to the display and interpretation of collections, in permanent galleries, exhibition spaces and public spaces; those enhancing visitor experience, improving access and/or interpretation for visitors with disabilities, improvements to environmental controls, and collections storage and conservation facilities to enhance the care of collections.
Only one capital project bid per museum, gallery, museum service or university will be considered.
Applications close in 84 days on 1st August 2022.
The new funding comes as the DCMS and independent charity the Wolfson Fund mark twenty years of working together to support arts and culture. To date the Fund has awarded £48 million to over 400 projects at museums and galleries, rising to £52 million as this round is allocated.
Its last fund, announced in 2019, similarly awarded £4 million to a total of 35 museums. It has previously awarded grants to organisations including Manchester Museum and the Oriental Museum in Durham to improve entrances and display exhibits in accessible ways.
Chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, Paul Ramsbottom said the support “will allow museums and galleries to enhance the display and interpretation of their collections, giving greater access and enjoyment for visitors.”
Commissioner for Cultural Recovery & Renewal, Lord Mendoza said the fund “has acted as a catalyst to encourage people to learn about their local history.
“In 2005, Strangers’ Hall in Norwich received £31,000 to develop an interactive exhibition for school children on the Tudors. Thanks to its success, the museum secured further funding which led to it being able to extend its opening hours and increase visitor numbers.”
The last fund, announced in 2019, awarded £4 million to a total of 35 museums including Manchester Museum and the Oriental Museum in Durham to improve entrances and display exhibits in accessible ways.
The full application process is available via the DCMS website.
