Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth has been awarded £1.5m in government funding for repairs and access improvements to the Grade II Listed building.
The funding, announced by the Culture Secretary today (Thu 20 Feb) as part of a large-scale package of investment into arts and culture in the UK, has been welcomed by Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale who has been campaigning for this since her election last year.
This funding will cover the cost of addressing fabric issues to the sea facing façade, improving security and fire protection, replacing failing services and restoring independent disabled access in the unique Victorian building that has been a staple of Bournemouth’s tourist offer for over 100 years.
Jessica, whose Bournemouth West constituency the art gallery is in, said: “Arts and culture has such a vital role to play in Bournemouth, and we are lucky to have the much-loved Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. Like most Victorian buildings, is in need of constant care and attention. This government funding not only helps safeguard the future of this important part of Bournemouth’s culture, but also demonstrates a clear commitment to investing in, and supporting, arts and culture here in the UK.”
Russell-Cotes, a registered charity, is one of hundreds of arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings receiving a share of more than £270 million as part of an Arts Everywhere Fund from the government, supporting jobs and creating opportunities for young people to learn creative skills while helping to boost people’s sense of pride in where they live.
The cash is targeted at organisations in urgent need of financial support to keep them up and running, carry out vital infrastructure work and improve long-term financial resilience. Today's announcement will help protect hundreds of jobs in the cultural and heritage sectors. Overall, cultural sectors support 666,000 filled jobs across the country.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: “Arts and culture help us understand the world we live in, they shape and define society and are enjoyed by people in every part of our country. The funding we are announcing today will allow the arts to continue to flourish across Britain, creating good jobs and growth by fixing the foundations in our cultural venues, museums, libraries and heritage institutions.”
This package will be integral to ensuring that arts and culture are a catalyst for growth in the Creative Industries and local economies by making sure cultural venues are supported to reach their full potential and attracting more tourists through our cultural institutions.
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