The Annual Museum Survey, run by Museum Development South West for the whole of England, surveyed non-National museums in spring this year. The annual survey provides a comprehensive report on the operating context of museums in 2026, including dozens of industrial heritage sites. Engagement with the survey increased by 12% in 2026, compared with the…
Tag: museums
Legislative Changes Affecting Museums (and Industrial Sites) Coming this Autumn & Winter
Three sets of legislative changes coming into force over the next six months will have a material affect on how industrial heritage sites and museums are run in England. These are: Martyn’s Law (which has been blogged about on this website earlier the year), the Crime & Policing Act 2026, and the Employment Rights Act…
UK Heritage Pulse’s Skills Exchange Returns
UK Heritage Pulse’s Skills Exchange, connecting heritage organisations with people keen to share their time, skills, and expertise has returned. The service, funded by the NHLF, helps organisations find support in areas including conservation, digital projects, leadership, marketing, and other specialist fields. This is a very useful resource for those industrial heritage sites looking for…
Autumn Grants Update for Eligible Industrial Heritage Museums & Sites
This autumn’s round of heritage grants include three available for industrial heritage museums (accredited or working towards accreditation) and other industrial sites. Museum Learning and Engagement Grants Museum Development is delivering the ‘Museum Learning and Engagement Grants’ on behalf of Arts Council England, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and the Department for…
New Fundraising Toolkit & Guide for Arts, Culture, & Heritage Organisations
A new fundraising toolkit and guide has been published by Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy and Arts Council England (ACE) to support arts, culture, and heritage organisations as the sector faces growing financial pressures and the need to diversify income. The research, which will be relevant to all industrial heritage sites and museums, was commissioned by ACE. The…
Exploring the Role and Impact of Small Museums in Places: Take Part in New AIM Survey
The Association of Independent Museums (AIM) is seeking your (Industrial Heritage) organisation’s views on the role and impact of small and medium museums across the UK, with a particular focus on their contribution to local placemaking and community life as part of a research project in partnership with Arts Council England; Culture Division, Welsh Government;…
Heritage Volunteers: Ensuring They are Up to Date with the Latest Legisation
Heritage Volunteers: Ensuring They are Up to Date with the Latest Legisation
Industrial Heritage Today: Conservation & Community Event, April 23
On Thursday 23 April 2026, as part of the celebrations for the International Day for Monuments and Sites, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) UK is holding a discussion event titled ‘Industrial Heritage Today: Conservation and Community’ at the London Canal Museum. This will also mark the launch of ICOMOS UK’s new National…
UK Government Announces Five Year £1.5 Billion Investment in the Cultural Sector
The UK Government has announced that £1.5 billion will be invested in the culture sector (including arts venues, museums, libraries, and heritage buildings) in England over five years in order to prevent closures and address urgent capital needs. The support includes more than £100 million of new monies specifically earmarked for local museums (many of which…
Winners of 2025 National Railway Heritage Awards Announced
The 2025 National Railway Heritage Awards – established in 1979 to recognise best practice in the re-use, restoration and upkeep of historic railway and tramway buildings – were presented on 3 December by the Minister for Rail, Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill. This year’s honours included the restoration of the former Cambrian Railways headquarters…
