BROMSGROVE’S Avoncroft Museum has received £92,000 from the latest round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
The cash, part of more than 2,700 cultural and creative venues receiving £400million, has been announced this weekend.
Avoncroft was England’s first open air museum with a culturally significant collection of buildings from across the region and beyond including 12 Grade II and one Grade I listed buildings.
The funding will allow the museum to pay for some urgent repairs and open its doors once again to the public in the early summer.
The venue usually relies on public admissions and donations to cover conservation and staff costs, along with profits from the tea room and shop.
“It also earns income as a unique venue for weddings and functions.
All those sources of income have of course been severely impacted by the Covid-19 restrictions and the museum has had to rely on recovery grants to keep its head above water.
Michael Woolley, Chair of Trustees at Avoncroft Museum, said it was very exciting news after a tough 12 months.
“This will make a major contribution towards being able to re-open the Museum safely when Government restrictions allow and to undertake some of the repairs to the buildings necessitated by the Museum being closed for such a long time.
“The future is looking much brighter today as a result of this grant.”
Zoe Willems, Director at Avoncroft Museum, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been successful in this bid for recovery funding.
“It’s a real boost for the museum, a vote of confidence in our future.
“With it we can press ahead with our plans for reopening and we’re all looking forward to sharing the stories of our Midlands heritage with visitors once again and playing an active and vibrant part in our local community.”
Avoncroft Museum is currently closed to the public whilst it is prepared for reopening. An announcement on reopening dates is expected soon.
For more information about Avoncroft Museum visit www.avoncroft.org.uk or email [email protected]
Secretary of State for Culture Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record-breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.
“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”
Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England said: “We’re delighted the Culture Recovery Fund has been able to offer support to a wide range of arts and cultural sector organisations across Worcestershire.
“Now that we’re hopefully on the road to recovery, there is much to look forward to as organisations get ready to reopen their doors, welcoming back audiences and making plans for the future.”
Across Worcestershire, 39 organisations will receive a £2.8million.
