Art Fund announces £2 million emergency relief for museums and galleries struggling due to pandemic

A £2 million emergency fund for Britain’s museums and galleries to help them through the Covid-19 crisis was announced today.

Art Fund this morning said it was making millions of pounds worth of aid available for the UK’s struggling attractions through various grants and partnerships. Applications for the funds open today.

Director of the fund, Jenny Waldman, warned of an “uncertain” future for museums and galleries.

She said: “The future of our museums and galleries, which are so vital to society, is far from certain. Art Fund is putting every effort into helping museums through the current crisis. We encourage all those at immediate risk or reimagining future ways of working to get in touch.

"However, these steps alone will not secure the future - more help is required. We are now fundraising so we can continue to support museums and galleries and we’re calling for everyone to come together now to help museums and galleries adapt and thrive during the biggest challenge in our lifetime.”

Most large museums and galleries are categorised as “high-risk” and will remain closed until at least July 4.

Research by Art Fund revealed that 56 per cent of museum and gallery directors were concerned about the viability of their organisation, and 85 per cent said they were worried about attracting visitors back.