Extra funding for cultural and creative sector

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 accesiblity to arts and culture.

The funding will support museums and libraries’ vital maintenance repairs and upgrades, 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.

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.

Arts Council England delivers these funds on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Full guidance and details of how to apply can be found on Arts Council England’s website.

Separately, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has announced plans to invest more than £10m into the capital’s creative and cultural industries over the next four years.

The British Fashion Council, Film London, Games London and the London Design Festival will receive the funding as part of the Mayor’s plans to boost growth.

The funding will help the organisations to support creative businesses and boost jobs, deliver annual trade shows, festival and events including the London Games Festival, London Fashion Week, London Film Festival and London Design Festival. The announcement follows Mayor's London Growth Plan.

More details.