Newark air museum awarded accreditation accolade by Arts Council England
A volunteer-run museum has been awarded accreditation, allowing it to access additional funding.
The accreditation was awarded to Newark Air Museum by Arts Council England, which is the national development agency for creativity and culture.
Accreditation covers museums of all types and sizes - from the smallest volunteer-run museums to the largest national museums – with more than 1,700 museums across the UK currently taking part in the scheme.
The accolade is the benchmark for well-run museums and galleries. It means that Newark Air Museum is properly managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standards, showing that the museum takes proper care of its collections, sharing them with visitors and keeping them safe for future generations.
The accreditation also opens up funding opportunities for recipients, allowing museums to host touring exhibitions and giving them access to professional advice and support.
It also gives confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.
Newark Air Museum had humble beginnings in the 1960s, when a group of like-minded aviation enthusiasts set out with a desire to own a Spitfire.
Over the years the museum evolved into one of the country's largest volunteer-managed aviation museums, showcasing a collection of 76 aircraft and cockpits, covering a range of military and civilian aircraft as well as displays of armaments, engine and aeronautical paraphernalia spread across four covered display areas.
The museum, which opened to the public forty-nine years ago, is located on part of the former World War II training airfield of RAF Winthorpe and is open 361 days a year.
Colin Savill, Museum Trustee said: “The renewal of our Accreditation with Arts Council England has been running throughout the Covid-19 crisis and we are grateful for everyone’s support in us finally being able to secure this prestigious award.”
Liz Johnson, Director Museums and Cultural Property at Arts Council England said: We’re delighted that Newark Air Museum has been successful in gaining their accreditation status. This means that their Collections will be looked after and maintained offering inspiration, enjoyment and learning for the local community and visitors to enjoy now and in the future.”
