South Shields Museum & Art Gallery secures Museum Estate and Development funding

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery is one of over 70 cultural organisations across England to be given a financial boost by the government to improve people’s access to arts and support local economic growth through culture. The £86.6 million Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND is part of the wider Cultural Investment Fund, which goes towards funding urgent museum maintenance and infrastructure works. 

The Cultural Investment Fund aims to unlock local growth and productivity, promote economic and social recovery from the impact of Covid-19, and regenerate communities through capital investment in transformative place-based creative and cultural initiatives. The MEND fund is designed to protect and improve people’s access to culture, regenerate communities, upgrade buildings and digital infrastructure, and use investment to promote economic growth. 

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Experience, said: 

“This is fantastic news. The museum dates back to 1860 and these improvements will allow us to create the optimum conditions for its collections, preserving them for future audiences to enjoy. 

“It will also support the programme of popular exhibitions and activities, enabling Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums to sustain and develop their engagement with the local community as well as visitors. 

“This award will fund a more efficient heating system, air handling and LED lighting, resulting in an estimated 57% reduction in gas usage, and will cut lighting related energy consumption by half. 

“These measures will complement the extensive work we are already doing in our drive towards carbon neutrality and deliver against the Borough’s Cultural Strategy, Making Waves.” 

Beneficiaries of the MEND share a pot of £86.6 million which will see arts venues transformed, upgraded and created as part of the government’s plans to make sure everyone, no matter where they live, can access the UK’s world-renowned culture. This is the second round of MEND funding, bringing the total amount of investment so far to more than £40 million for 67 museums. 

Geoff Woodward, Manager of South Shields Museum & Art Gallery said: 

“This is fantastic news! This funding will help us to continue to care for and display the rich social history collections drawn from across the borough and the important artworks that we hold, as well as creating a much-improved environment for visitors. 

“It will also enable us to continue to bring high profile loans from major national and regional museums to our local community.”