Derby Museums is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £153,500 from the Cultural Recovery Fund Capital Kickstart fund. This funding will support the development of the new Museum of Making Project. The Museum of Making will be a new visitor attraction in the heart of Derby, exploring 300 years of Derbyshire’s manufacturing history. On the site of the world’s first factory at Derby Skill Mill, and launching in Spring 2021 the new Museum will open up the whole of the former Silk Mill which is part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tony Butler, Executive Director Derby Museums, said:

“We are delighted to have the continued support of the Arts Council England. Projects like the Museum of Making will play a vital part in Derby and the wider region’s recovery, projecting our 300 year old story of making and innovation nationally and internationally”.

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director for Arts Council England, said: “Building on Derby’s rich industrial legacy we’re pleased to be investing in the completion of the new Museum of Making, we’re confident it will be a place that inspires the creators and makers of the future.

“Our Capital Grants programme provides organisations with vital funding to ensure they have the right buildings and equipment to help them become more sustainable and innovative places, as they deliver exciting work to the public. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to increasing costs and time delays to many projects, so we’re delighted to offer additional funding to make sure these projects are completed, re-opened and of benefit to all.”

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