Derby Museums Score Nearly £800K Lifeline to Keep History Alive!

Derby Museums have received a significant financial boost, with nearly £800,000 awarded from the government’s Museum Renewal Fund. This fund, totaling £20 million, is being distributed among 75 local and regional museums across the country to help them stay open and continue serving their communities. The Derby Museums Trust, which manages the Museum of Making, Pickford’s House, and Derby Museum and Art Gallery, is responsible for using this money to support their operations and future plans. Tony Butler, the executive director of Derby Museums, expressed his relief and happiness at receiving the funding, especially after a challenging period marked by rising costs and reduced public investment.

The Museum of Making, one of Derby’s key attractions, was badly affected by flooding during Storm Babet, highlighting the difficulties museums can face. Alongside Derby Museums, other local organizations such as Derbyshire County Council Museums Service and Sharpe’s Pottery Heritage and Arts Trust also received smaller amounts from the fund. The funding comes at a crucial time, as last year Derby Museums were listed among the most “at-risk” museums in the country. The English Civic Museums Network had warned that many museums were in a dangerous financial position, with some facing the possibility of selling their collections or even closing down. Tony Butler explained that museum directors across the UK have been dealing with these challenges for years, and the new funding is a much-needed lifeline. The money will be used for expenses from August to January, and some will be set aside for audience development and marketing to attract more visitors.

Baroness Fiona Twycross, the museums minister, emphasized the importance of museums as places where people from all backgrounds can learn, be inspired, and explore history. She said the funding ensures that beloved civic museums can remain open and continue to educate future generations about their shared heritage and the role of their local communities in the national story. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated that the Museum Renewal Fund aims to strengthen the network of museums across the country and guarantee access to culture for generations to come. This initiative is part of a larger £270 million government plan to support economic growth and create more opportunities nationwide. Sir Nicholas Serota, chairman of Arts Council England, added that museums and art galleries are often the pride of their communities, telling important stories about history, people, and places. He believes the funding will help stabilize local museums financially and support them in building a sustainable future. With this support, Derby Museums and others hope to continue playing a vital role in their communities and sharing their rich history with visitors.