In the first phase of applications for support from the Fund, organisations can apply for grants ranging from £50,000 all the way up to £3 million. £622 million is expected to be awarded through this stage of the process, with a further £258 million set for release later in the financial year

Arts Council England, Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund are the trio selected to distribute funds in the GLAM sector, with all applications now open for first phase grants.

“A share of more than half a billion pounds worth of funding is open for applications from theatres, museums, music venues and independent cinemas across the country. I urge those that need help to come forward so we can help as many as possible get back to doing what you do best,” states culture minister Caroline Dinenage.

“We want this funding to reach far and wide and its impact to be felt in communities across the country to ensure that our cultural sectors are able to bounce back strongly.”


Is funding available for your organisation?

Find out here how to apply for Culture Recovery Fund support.

Eligibility criteria revealed as applications open for Culture Recovery Fund support


Andrew Lovett, chair of the Association of Independent Museums and chief executive at Black Country Living Museum, hopes all eligible institutions will embrace the support for what it is. “If your museum is applying, I encourage you to get into a mindset which sees this funding as an investment which creates assets of enduring value, rather than spending with only short-term benefit.

“My second encouragement is to think beyond the ‘boundary’ of your own museum.  How can and will my application support the wider museums sector? Are there partnerships and even mergers which could not only have more impact, but be more cost-effective?

“In awful times, where events have been in control, take this opportunity to take back control. Apply.”

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