News MP celebrates cash boost for museum
Maidstone Museum welcomed MP Helen Grant to learn more about how the museum will use its recent £75,000 award from the Museum Renewal Fund.
The Museum Renewal Fund, a UK Government initiative administered by Arts Council England, supports civic museums in building sustainable income streams and strengthening resilience.
During the visit, Helen Grant, who was joined by Maidstone Borough Council’s (MBC) Cllr Clive English explored the museum’s ambitious plans. These include a new touring and temporary exhibition, The Tōkaidō Way, inspired by the historic Japanese route connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto and drawing on the museum’s renowned Japanese collection.
The funding will also support the digitisation of thousands of artefacts to make them accessible worldwide, opening up the collection to researchers, educators, and the public.
In addition, the museum has begun research for a potential exhibition about William Alexander, the Maidstone-born artist celebrated for his depictions of 18th-century China, and carry out further enhancements to the stunning wood-panelled Withdrawing Room to expand event hire opportunities and community use.
Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone and Malling, said:
Maidstone Museum is a jewel in our town’s cultural crown. This investment will not only enhance the visitor experience but also ensure the museum’s incredible collections can be enjoyed globally. I’m delighted to see such ambitious plans that celebrate heritage and embrace innovation.
Cllr Clive English, MBC Deputy Leader, added:
This funding is a game-changer for Maidstone Museum. The Tōkaidō Way exhibition will offer visitors a unique cultural experience, while the new digital platform will make our collections accessible to curious minds around the world. It’s about preserving history and sharing it widely, ensuring our museum remains relevant and resilient for generations to come.
We are grateful to the Arts Council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for this generous support. It allows us to deliver an ambitious programme that celebrates international culture, improves access to our collections, and strengthens the museum’s long-term sustainability.