Lakeland Arts has secured £295,713 from Arts Council England’s Museum Renewal Fund, a national programme designed to safeguard public access to museum collections and strengthen the cultural offer for communities. The grant will support the continued development of Lakeland Arts’ Kendal art gallery, Abbot Hall.
The £20 million Museum Renewal Fund was announced by Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy on 20 February 2025 during the inaugural Jennie Lee lecture. She described local civic museums as “critical, cultural anchors” and emphasised the need to preserve them as part of local identities. The investment is delivered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The funding will enable the creation and delivery of a site-specific strategic plan to strengthen Abbot Hall’s long-term sustainability and deepen its role within the community. This presents a significant opportunity for the gallery to increase its ambition, enhance visitor experience, and build a stronger foundation for the future.
Planned initiatives include:
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Enhancing programming and community engagement through new collaborations with local partners.
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Strengthening brand identity and positioning within the local community through specialist consultancy support.
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Upgrading outdated systems and IT infrastructure to improve efficiency, increase staff capacity, and enhance the visitor experience.
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Improving the café bar offering to elevate the visitor journey and support commercial growth.
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Diversifying income streams to support financial stability and reduce reliance on single funding sources.
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Developing an online retail strategy to increase programme visibility, encourage in-person engagement, and generate sustainable income that supports future programming.
These developments will ensure Abbot Hall continues to play a vital role in Cumbrian culture, education, and community wellbeing.
Luis Martins, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Lakeland Arts, said: “We are deeply grateful to Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for this vital support through the Museum Renewal Fund. This investment comes at a pivotal moment for Lakeland Arts, enabling us to build resilience, invest in our people, and continue to deliver exceptional cultural experiences for our audiences.
It represents a significant opportunity not only for Abbot Hall, but for the wider community we serve – allowing us to strengthen our role as a creative and welcoming space in Kendal where art, heritage, and place come together to inspire connection and curiosity. This grant will help us to look confidently to the future, supporting our vision to make art and culture a meaningful part of everyday life across Cumbria.”
Abbot Hall, like many galleries across the UK, has been affected by rising operating costs and reduced funding. A significant portion of the grant will support its core operations. By investing now in capacity, innovation, and community engagement, the Museum Renewal Fund will help strengthen the gallery’s foundations and its connection with the communities it serves.
