Alistair Hardaker | Image: © Ralph Applebaum Associates
Communities Minister announces funding for Reawakening project combining £40m government support with £10m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £50 million investment in the Ulster Folk Museum to support delivery of the Reawakening project, which aims to improve facilities, enhance access to collections and strengthen the museum’s role in connecting people with their heritage.
The project will be funded by £40 million through the Department for Communities and £10 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the biggest grant from this fund in Northern Ireland in a decade. National Museums NI is also working with funding trusts and philanthropists to explore other sources of funding.
Minister Gordon Lyons said The Reawakening Project “will see the Ulster Folk Museum transform to a multi-layered heritage and environment resource, which sustains more relevant and active connections with its audiences.
The museum has had limited investment for decades, with some facilities no longer fit for purpose, said Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI. The project is designed to deliver lasting and measurable social and economic value, prioritising themes of identity, the environment, and learning and skills across the museum experience.
Thomson said: “This co-ordinated investment allows us to prioritise the themes of identity, the environment, and learning and skills, across the museum experience, ensuring Ulster Folk Museum will serve communities for generations to come.”
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “Thanks to National Lottery players we’re able to commit £10million that so far has helped lay the groundwork and will now deliver this visionary project that will connect people to heritage that is accessible, relevant, sustainable and valued.
“At the same time as improving facilities, opening up collections and focussing on the natural environment, the project provides opportunities for creating and sustaining jobs and sharing heritage and craft skills alongside learning experiences for all ages.”
