Blackpool gallery's £478k funding boost
It's hoped it'll help with the City Of Culture bid
Last updated 14th Apr 2026
Blackpool's Grundy Art Gallery has received a £478,000 investment which bosses say will support its commitment to offering high-quality cultural experiences.
The funding comprises £121,000 from the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund and £357,000 from Arts Council England’s Museum Estate and Development fund.
The capital will facilitate essential repairs and upgrades to the historic building, including replacement of boilers, electrical improvements, structural repairs, and enhancements to environmental conditions crucial for displaying artwork safely.
These improvements aim to preserve the listed structure and the gallery’s £5 million art collection, while enabling the attraction of national and internationally-acclaimed pieces.
The gallery’s current programme, supported by Arts Council England with confirmed National Portfolio Status funding until 31st March 2028, benefits from the investment.
Blackpool Council Leader, Cllr Lynn Williams, emphasized the impact of the enhancements, saying: “The Grundy is a special place for Blackpool.
“This funding helps us protect the building and bring more world-famous art to our town, so everyone can enjoy it.
Having a Monet painting come to Blackpool shows just how far our cultural offer has grown and it’s great to see local people enjoying it for free, while community groups and schools are also taking part in having such a significant piece of culture on our doorstep.”
The Grundy Art Gallery is currently featuring Claude Monet’s ‘The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil’ (1872), on display until June as part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour 2025–2027.
Blackpool has been longlisted to bid for the UK City of Culture 2029, showcasing its commitment to arts, heritage, and high-caliber venues.
The gallery repairs, scheduled between 2026 and 2028, will be strategically planned to allow exhibitions and events to proceed.
The Pride in Place Impact Fund is part of a £1.5 million initiative designed to support community spaces and enhance living in Blackpool.
The Museum Estate and Development Fund aims to improve infrastructure and visitor experience at seven local museums across the North West with an allocation of nearly £5 million.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted the significance, stating: “I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from.
Cultural organisations across the North West are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.
Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations.”
Arts Council England Area Director, North, Rebecca Ball, expressed support: “Our museums, libraries, and arts organisations have the power to change lives, they give us access to new worlds, teach us about our heritage, and give us new perspectives on life.
I’m so pleased that we’ll be supporting so many of our cultural organisations in the North with this capital investment.”
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