Nearly a quarter-of-a-million pounds a year is to be pumped into arts and culture at Preston’s flagship museum.

Harris Museum and Art Gallery has received Arts Council England money to support its role as a ‘creative, civic and community centre’.

Four years of funding has been granted of £225,000 per year.

Preston City Council’s cabinet member for culture and leisure councillor Peter Kelly said: “We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will enable us to further improve the offer at the Harris, reflecting the extensive feedback we have received from local communities over the past 12 months.

“The Harris is an iconic building for Preston and the extended programme that this funding allows us to deliver will provide new ways for Prestonians to get involved and enjoy the building and its offer.”

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Arts Council North Director Jane Beardsworth said: “We are delighted to support the cultural sector across Lancashire through greater investment.

“This will increase opportunities for a wide range of people to enjoy high quality arts and culture close to where they live. We are supporting local artists and through funding for work with children and young people we are helping to develop the next generation of artists and audiences.”

Funding from the Arts Council is a boost to the city council’s Re-Imagining the Harris proposal, which received rejection from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Read more: Historic book collections at the Harris part of major lottery bid

Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services county councillor Peter Buckley said: “I’m really pleased to learn of the successful bid for Arts Council funding for the Harris. This shows again the effectiveness of partners working together who are committed to securing a long-term future for the library service. This is a real boost for the Harris.”

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