Bolton Museum and Art Gallery will play a major part in the biggest government shake-up of Britain's museums for years.
It has been picked to be a founder member of the North-west Regional Hub and will help seven other museums and art galleries in the region to improve standards. The North-west Hub is part of a new national framework for regional museums and galleries. It was set up by the Government as part of a £70 million four year initiative.
Bolton Museum and Art Gallery's role in the Hub will be to come up with projects for museums across the North-west, work with other museums on joint exhibitions, and bring their expertise to the hub to help improve museums across the region.
Cllr Laurie Williamson, Bolton Council Executive Member for Culture, welcomed the decision.
He said: "Bolton's Museums and Art Gallery have gained a deservedly high reputation in the region and this has been recognised.
"We are delighted to be a partner in the North-west Hub and to be working in partnership with such a strong selection of museums and gallery services.
"With such a wealth of galleries and museums and further investment in services and facilities, the North-west Hub is in an excellent position to become a beacon of excellence."
The first phase of the proposed restructuring will be introduced in the New Year with the announcement of initial "pathfinder" Hubs.
Kate Farmery, Head of Marketing and Business Development for the North-west Hub, said: "The involvement of the Government is hugely significant because it is the first time we will have received direct funding from central Government for the improvement of museums and art galleries. The funding will improve the running of museums and art galleries, which will be beneficial to both residents and visitors to Bolton, and help bring museums in general into the twenty-first century."
The other members in the North-west Hub are: Manchester City Galleries; Museum of Science and Industry; the People's History Museum; the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston; the Lancashire County Museums Service; Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle,and the University of Manchester Museums and Galleries.
SHINING LIGHT: Bolton Museum and Art Gallery
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