Stuart Anderson MP is delighted that Wightwick Manor has received £658,260 from the Government’s Museum Estate and Development Fund. Stuart was asked by Wightwick Manor to write a letter of support for their application after he had promoted the funding that was available. Wightwick Manor now joins more than 70 other museums, cultural venues, and public libraries across England to benefit from the funding, so that they can improve access to the arts, support local economic growth through culture, and safeguard vital local collections for future generations to explore and to enjoy.
The £86.6 million Museum Estate and Development Fund helps to fund urgent museum maintenance and infrastructure works. Arts Council England accredited museums in England that are not directly funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have been able to apply. This is the second round of funding, bringing the total amount of investment so far to more than £40 million for 67 museums. In this round of funding, £21.4 million has gone to 36 museums. This will level up access to arts and culture, supporting brilliant arts organisations to upgrade their venues and create new projects to drive economic growth and regenerate local communities.
Stuart has celebrated Wightwick Manor’s funding success. The Manor is one of only a few surviving examples of a house built and furnished under the influence of the Aesthetic movement and the Arts and Crafts movement. Sadly, the oak-framing is now showing signs of deterioration. The funding will enable it to undertake vital infrastructure and urgent maintenance work, thereby saving on more costly repairs in the long-term and preserving the building, which houses a remarkable collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and one of the largest public collections of work by female artists in the country.
The Fund is just one part of the Government’s plans to make sure everyone, no matter where they live, can access the UK’s world-renowned culture. The announcement follows a big boost for the sector in the Spring Budget with an extension of tax reliefs, which have already supported thousands of theatre and orchestral productions, galleries, and museums across the country, for a further two years. Stuart has welcomed the extension and said that it will help the sector continue to attract new talent and investment from home and abroad, building on the support that the Government has already provided to the creative sectors. This includes the £1.6 billion Culture Recovery Fund that supported more than 5,000 organisations during COVID-19.
Stuart Anderson MP said: “Wightwick Manor is of huge historical importance to our city, which is why I was delighted to endorse its proposal for funding from the Museum Estate and Development Fund. I am thrilled that Wightwick Manor has now received this funding, which will enable it to undertake urgent work to restore the timber works which have been impacted by age and weathering. This will help to ensure that the Manor continues to house these treasured exhibits for future generations to explore and to enjoy. I am thrilled that the importance of Wightwick Manor is being recognised in this way, and I look forward to visiting again to see the difference that this investment will make."
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer MP said: “This investment will help to level up access to arts and culture for everyone, no matter where they live. Culture helps us create lifelong memories with our families and friends, provides entertainment and joy, and allows us to explore the world around us in new and exciting ways. It can also boost tourism, support local business and drive local economic growth. This funding will support brilliant arts organisations to upgrade their venues and create new projects that will be at the heart of their communities."