Art space receives 'vital' £319k government funding

A Surrey gallery and museum will receive over £300,000 in government funding as part of a new scheme for arts and heritage venues.

The Lightbox Gallery and Museum in Woking will receive part of a £270m round of funding aimed at supporting young people with creative opportunities.

Sarah Brown, director of Lightbox, said the funding would be used to support urgent repair work to the building which is nearly 20 years old.

The Arts Council England (ACE) funding is being announced to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the first White Paper on the arts.

In total, Lightbox will receive £319,000 from the Museums Estate and Development Fund (Mend).

Ms Brown said: "We are delighted to be awarded ACE Mend funding, which will allow us to carry out vital work on our landmark building that is approaching 20 years old and is now in need of urgent repair.

"This funding is a real investment in the creativity and culture of Woking, enabling us to continue providing an inspiring and welcoming space for our communities and to make a difference to everyone's use and enjoyment of the Lightbox Gallery & Museum into the future. "

Under the new government plans, a new £85m fund will be created to support capital works to arts venues across the UK.

Lightbox will benefit from part of the fifth round of Mend funding, worth £25m.

In December 2024, Woking Borough Council announced proposals to stop subsidising the Lightbox in a bid to make £150,000 savings.

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