Elaine Lees from Creativity Works in Pennine Lancashire explains how she successfully bid for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to create a new Museums at Night cluster of activity in her area, the "Festival of Wonders".
3. Background
• 3 yrs of MatN events with small number of venues
• 2013 represented shift in our ambition
• Went from 5 venues/events in 2012 to 15 venues/20
events in 2013
• Museums, galleries, libraries took part
• Mix of events under central theme
• Local coordinator across 5 districts, large semi rural
area
• Supported by Culture24
• Funded by Heritage Lottery Fund across 2 yrs
8. Results
• 1,530 people came
• 77% were first time MatN
attenders
• 33% were new to the
venue
• 51% attended more than
one event
• All venues want to take
part again next year
9. HLF Funding
• Culture24 had experience
- I had none!
• Used other bids to learn quickly
• Heritage, learning and volunteers are
priorities
• 3 months to confirm events/draft bid
with C24
• £44,400 secured for 2 yr programme
10. Securing the venues
• Written proposal and
meeting
• Asked for a one pager back
with outline costs
• Explained roles - shared
responsibility
• Set time limits
• Reconfirmed every
venue/event once funding
secured
13. Plans for 2014
• Start earlier – ie now
• Build on what worked
• Update
branding/marketing
• Secure additional venues
• More effort in areas with
lower attendance
• Better use of social media
• Templates for 2015 and
beyond