The investment of £159,933 per year into The Whitaker will enable the museum and art gallery to continue to showcase the best contemporary art locally, nationally and internationally, continue working with the local community and preserving The Whitaker’s collection for future generations.
Creative Director at The Whitaker, Gaynor Seville, said: “We are delighted to be joining Arts Council England’s National Portfolio for 2023 – 2026. It is a complete testament to the tenacity, dedication and talent of our small but mighty team who have gone above and beyond to make The Whitaker a destination for outstanding arts and culture in Lancashire, to our volunteers who we are forever grateful to, and to our visitors, who have supported us from the moment we re-opened in 2021.
This investment from Arts Council England into The Whitaker is also an investment into the creativity and talent of the people of Rawtenstall. The Whitaker is, first and foremost, their museum and art gallery and we cannot wait to continue this journey with them.”
Based in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, The Whitaker is a forward-facing museum and art gallery that aims to foster inclusive, vibrant communities that thrive within the natural environment.
The museum recently undertook a re-development of interpretation with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, connecting people, heritage and ideas with the past, the present and the future. Since re-opening in 2021, the museum has so far welcomed over 42,000 visitors.