A new £4 million funding initiative will support museums and galleries across England, improving accessibility and expanding cultural opportunities for local communities.
Expanding Access to Culture
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has joined forces with the Wolfson Foundation to launch a £4 million fund for regional museums and galleries.
This initiative aims to improve public access to collections, enhance exhibition spaces, and break down barriers for visitors.
Background and Legacy
The DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund has operated for more than 20 years. In that time, it has invested over £50 million in more than 440 projects.
The latest round of funding, worth £4 million, will build on this legacy by supporting innovative projects that make arts and culture more inclusive.
Details of the New Round
Applications for the 2025–27 funding cycle opened on 5 September and will close on 14 November. The partnership combines £2 million in government funding with £2 million from the Wolfson Foundation, ensuring projects are supported through both public and philanthropic resources.
Previous Fundings
Recent recipients illustrate how the fund transforms accessibility:
The People’s History Museum in Manchester used £200,000 for its Welcome Project, introducing a new accessible entrance, modernised toilets, and improved signage.
The Food Museum in Suffolk invested £89,000 to replace a deteriorated bridge, allowing public access to its historic 18th-century fishing lodge.
Experience Barnsley Museum received £37,000 to create the Chamber of Treasures project, improving interpretation of social history collections with community input.
Recent Museums Benefiting from DCMS/Wolfson Funding
| Museum | Funding Amount | Accessibility Improvements |
|---|---|---|
| People’s History Museum, Manchester | £200,000 | Accessible entrance, toilet renovation, inclusive signage |
| Food Museum, Suffolk | £89,000 | New bridge restoring access to historic fishing lodge |
| Experience Barnsley Museum | £37,000 | New displays and enhanced accessibility in gallery spaces |
Official Statements
Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant emphasised the government’s mission to open access to arts and culture:
“We want everyone, everywhere to be able to enjoy culture and the arts – and this fund helps us achieve that mission.”
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, echoed this commitment:
“Museums and galleries play a vital role in deepening our understanding of the past and our shared culture. We’re delighted to continue our partnership with this new round of funding.”
Applying for Support
Museums and galleries interested in applying can find full guidance, eligibility criteria, and application details on GOV.UK.
The fund will remain open for submissions until 14 November, with decisions expected in early 2026.
Strengthening Cultural Infrastructure
This funding aligns with the government’s Plan for Change and the Wolfson Foundation’s strategic priorities, both of which seek to break down barriers to opportunity.
By investing in accessibility and visitor experience, the fund strengthens cultural infrastructure and ensures long-term benefits for communities across the country.
Sources: Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sir Chris Bryant MP, and The Wolfson Foundation.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
