Museums and libraries set to receive a share of over £30 million of funding to improve 
access to arts and culture
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-25)

Over £30 million of funding available to support museums and libraries with maintenance repairs and upgrades to their buildings

- Expressions of interest to open in May for the Museum Estate and Development Fund and the Libraries Improvement Fund
- Support to boost people’s access to art and culture, delivering Government’s Plan for Change to increase opportunities for all
Museums and libraries will soon be able to apply for a share of over £30 million of funding as part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure everyone, everywhere has access to arts and culture in the places they call home.

The funding will support museums and libraries’ vital maintenance repairs and upgrades, ensuring they can continue to tell the story of our nation’s rich history and providing spaces for people from all walks of life to access books, work and learn. For example, funding could be used to refurbish tired buildings, increase accessibility, offer more workshops, open new exhibitions, or buy specialist equipment.

The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) will open for expressions of interest on Tuesday 6 May 2025, followed by the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) opening for expressions of interest on Monday 12 May 2025. Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found on Arts Council England’s website.

Public libraries across England are encouraged to apply for a share of the £5.5 million Libraries Improvement Fund as part of the Government’s commitment to ensure libraries are able to upgrade their physical and digital infrastructure to adapt to changing user needs and can be enjoyed by future generations.

Likewise accredited museums across England will be able to apply for a share of £25 million to undertake vital infrastructure projects and tackle urgent maintenance backlogs, protecting important collections and buildings, whilst improving the visitor experience and museums’ resilience. Grants from £50,000 to £5 million will be available, to ensure museums can continue to share the stories of our rich regional and national history with visitors for many years to come.

It follows the announcement from the Culture Secretary last month of the £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to support economic growth and increase opportunities for people across the country.

Arts Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said:

Local museums are the storytellers of our nation’s rich history and creative heritage, providing precious civic spaces that attract millions of visitors every year, whilst public libraries play a key role in communities by providing access to spaces where everyone can work and learn.

Our Plan for Change will support these vital institutions to boost opportunity for all. I’m delighted that this investment into museums and libraries will fund repairs and upgrades to their infrastructure, improving the experience for visitors and ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley said:

Museums and libraries are cherished cultural spaces in villages, towns and cities across the country where people come together, share ideas and make discoveries. This new investment in museums and libraries will help secure their future for years to come.

Notes to editors

In February, Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy announced more than £270 million in funding (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-investment-to-boost-growth-and-cement-britains-place-as-cultural-powerhouse) for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in a major boost for growth.

Arts Council England delivers these funds on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Guidance has been published today by Arts Council England to provide further information for museums and libraries considering making an application to these schemes.

The online portal to register Expressions of Interest for LIF opens on Tuesday 6th May 2025. Full guidance (https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/our-open-funds/libraries-improvement-fund-lif-round-4/libraries-improvement-fund-lif-round-4-guidance-applicants#t-in-page-nav-1), including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found on Arts Council England’s website (https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/our-open-funds/libraries-improvement-fund-lif-round-4).

The online portal to register Expressions of Interest for MEND opens on Monday 12th May 2025. Full guidance (https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/our-open-funds/museum-estate-and-development-fund-mend-round-5/museum-estate-and-development-fund-mend-round-5-guidance-applicants#t-in-page-nav-1), including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found on Arts Council England’s website (https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/our-open-funds/museum-estate-and-development-fund-mend-round-5).