£20m fund to protect culture and jobs
Museums across the West Midlands will share more than £2 million in new government funding to help protect jobs, preserve opening hours and keep local heritage accessible to millions of visitors.
The cash comes from the £20 million Museum Renewal Fund, announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, as part of the government’s Plan for Change to support local culture and regional growth.
Birmingham leads regional funding
The Birmingham Museums Trust will receive £994,742 – the largest Midlands award – to deliver new community exhibitions and improve access to major collections during ongoing renovation work.
Projects will include the popular Giants summer family show and a pop-up tribute to local rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, alongside greater public access to treasures such as the Staffordshire Hoard and one of the world’s most significant collections of Pre-Raphaelite art.
Culture Coventry, which runs Coventry Transport Museum and the Herbert Art Gallery, will receive £384,390 to support public programmes and education initiatives.
Other Midlands recipients include the Museum of Royal Worcester (£228,343), Tamworth Borough Council (£139,120), and Shropshire Council (£226,238).
Keeping culture local
Museums Minister Baroness Twycross said the funding would ensure that “much-loved civic museums can remain open and continue to provide opportunities for future generations to learn about our shared heritage.”
She added: “Museums offer a place where people from all backgrounds can learn, be inspired and delve into our rich history. This fund makes sure those stories remain accessible in the communities where they matter most.”
Community pride and tourism
The support aims to secure the future of small and regional museums, which are often vital to local economies and community pride. By protecting jobs and opening hours, the government hopes to boost visitor numbers and attract more tourism to towns and cities across the Midlands.
Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England, said: “Museums and galleries are often the proud focal point of communities. This investment provides a crucial lifeline – helping local museums stabilise their finances and build a sustainable future.”
The Museum Renewal Fund is part of the £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund, which is designed to spread cultural opportunity and investment beyond London — ensuring that local stories, from Birmingham’s industrial heritage to Coventry’s post-war resilience, continue to be told for generations to come.
