Black Country Living Museum is to take lead role in £150k drive
More than £150,000 in arts funding has been awarded to cash-strapped Black Country Living Museum for officials to head up a new programme aimed at boosting Midland museums.
Twelve museums will benefit from the Arts Council cash through support to develop new projects and improve leadership of the attractions.
It comes as the museum, in Tipton Road, Dudley, is forced to find savings of £250,000 a year as part of cost-cutting plans.
Black Country Living Museum boss Andrew Lovett said museums are living through "turbulent times" and need to pull together.
Investment plans will be drawn up with the Association of Independent Museums body to find ways of becoming more self-sufficient. The £157,000 grant has come from the Arts Council England's Renaissance strategic support fund.
Mr Lovett said: "We are delighted to be stepping up to the challenge to lead this programme in support of large and small museums from across the West Midlands.
"Personally, I am particularly excited about supporting and energising the next generation of museum leaders."
The museum is linking with education institutions, including Dudley College.
