Birmingham Museums Launch £2 Million Campaign to Safeguard Free Access
A two-year fundraising drive by Birmingham Museums Trust aims to raise at least £2 million to safeguard free access to the city's museums as running costs rise.
A new two-year fundraising push aims to safeguard Birmingham's museums as costs rise and public funding tightens. The Birmingham Museums Trust is appealing to residents and local businesses to donate at least £2 million to keep the city’s cultural venues free to visit.
Campaign goals and funding challenge
The Your Museums, Your Move campaign seeks a minimum £2 million over two years. The trust says public funding alone does not cover all running costs, so voluntary giving and earned income are essential to close the gap.
Costs, funding mix, and strategy
Running the museums costs around £12 million each year. About half comes from Birmingham City Council and Arts Council England, meaning the trust must raise the other half through shops, cafes, events, and ongoing fundraising. The aim is to preserve free admission while increasing resilience against rising costs.
Key venues and impact
The trust operates the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank science museum, and Aston Hall, a Jacobean mansion with Grade I status. The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery recently marked its 140th anniversary, celebrating its long history in the city.
Leaders’ message
Rowena Dean, the trust’s director of development, explains the financial pressures and the need for community support to keep museums accessible without charge. Co-chief executives Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah emphasize that while regular funding from the council and Arts Council England is welcome, every pound of public funding must be matched with earnings to stay open.
Looking ahead
The campaign invites individuals, businesses, and organisations to invest in Birmingham’s cultural assets, helping to deliver a world-class museum service and boost the city as a place to live, work, play, and visit.
Expert view
Expert view: A steady mix of public funding and private giving is vital to maintain free access to culture, especially as costs increase.
Summary
Summary: The Your Museums, Your Move campaign aims to raise £2 million over two years to support Birmingham Museums Trust’s work. Running costs total about £12 million annually, with roughly half funded by the council and Arts Council England. The initiative seeks to sustain free entry by expanding earned income and fundraising across venues like Thinktank and Aston Hall. Community support remains critical to preserving Birmingham’s cultural heritage for residents and visitors alike.
Key insight: Keeping Birmingham’s museums free requires robust community fundraising to supplement public support as running costs rise. Source: BBC News