Funding Success!

Cultural Development Grant Fund

We are delighted to announce that two of our Museums Essex members have been successful in their applications to the recent Essex County Council Cultural Development Fund.

The successful recipients are Epping Forest District Museum and The Minories. Their projects meet both of the grant funds criteria by providing local community and cultural opportunities and ensuring that the county’s creative economy is strengthened.  Congratulations to them both!

Round 2 of the Cultural Development Fund opens on 12 January 2026. To find out more visit: www.culture-essex.co.uk/funding

Find out more about our members’ projects below:

Epping Forest District Museum

We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully received a grant from Culture Essex’s Cultural Development Fund! This fund focuses on fostering local talent and supporting Essex’s creative industries. We can’t wait to play our part in making Waltham Abbey and the Epping Forest District a vibrant hub for art and creativity.

Museum Manager Ian Channell says: “Inspired by our 2026 Roman exhibition Town and Country: Life in Roman Durolitum, we will be hosting at Epping Forest District Museum several arts events and activities for the local community. On the exhibition opening day, 14 March 2026, we will have theatre performances outside the museum inspired by the exhibition. We will also be commissioning a new piece of artwork that responds to the exhibition from the Chigwell Sunflower Art Group (which is for adults with learning disabilities). The artwork will be accessioned into our collection, displayed as part of the exhibition and put on more permanent display from 2027. Thirdly, we will be hosting an Explore Arts Award for local 13 – 17-year-olds, introducing them to different art forms and artists, and encouraging their creative abilities.”

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The Minories

Will produce a sustainable marketing programme to promote the gallery and improve access to it. More info coming soon!