The guardians of Birmingham's most treasured cultural sites have issued an urgent plea for public support, warning that the city's world-class museum service is at a 'critical crossroads'.
A Critical Funding Shortfall
The Birmingham Museums Trust, which manages a collection of over one million objects across nine major sites, has revealed a severe financial gap. Currently, only 50 per cent of its essential operating costs are met by public grants from bodies like Birmingham City Council and Arts Council England.
This means for every pound of public funding received, the Trust must independently generate another pound through ticket sales, retail, and donations just to maintain basic operations and care for its immense collections.
The 'Your Museums. Your Move' Campaign
In response to this ongoing crisis, the Trust has launched a major new public fundraising initiative titled 'Your Museums. Your Move'. The ambitious campaign aims to raise £2 million over the next two years from individuals, local businesses, and organisations across the region.
The campaign's powerful slogan, 'it takes a city to save a story', underscores the belief that preserving Birmingham's heritage is a collective responsibility. The Trust's co-chief executives have stated that securing this funding is vital for their mission of enabling learning, remembrance, and imagination for all.
Short-Term Lifeline Not Enough
While the Trust recently benefited from the government's Museum Renewal Fund, this injection of cash provided only a temporary solution. Described as 'lifeline funding', it was used for community-driven projects like extending opening hours, but must be fully spent by the end of January 2026.
This deadline highlights the pressing need for sustainable, long-term financial support to safeguard institutions that are fundamental to the city's identity and future.
The Birmingham Museums Trust's portfolio includes some of the region's most iconic venues:
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
- Thinktank Science Museum
- Aston Hall
- Blakesley Hall
- Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
- Sarehole Mill
- Soho House
- Weoley Castle
- The Museum Collection Centre
The success of the Your Museums. Your Move campaign is now seen as essential not just for the survival of these sites, but for ensuring Birmingham remains a vibrant, attractive city in which to live, work, and visit. The call to action is clear: the city must come together to protect its shared history.
