Applications closed
Weston Loan Programme
This programme provides funding for museums and galleries to borrow works from national collections, encouraging the sharing of works more widely across the UK.The Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund provides funding and training for regional museums and galleries to secure important strategic loans from major UK collections.
The grants cover up to 100% of the costs associated with securing and displaying a loan, for example security reviews, insurance, transportation, conservation, installation and invigilation.
They also support activity related to maximising the impact of the loan, such as production of marketing materials, on-site interpretation and/or audience engagement activity.
Made possible with the support of the Garfield Weston Foundation, the programme aims to encourage new and stronger relationships between regional and national museums and galleries.
Take a look at some of the loans we’ve supported so far, across the first, second and third rounds of funding.
Who should apply
We can accept applications from UK public museums, galleries, historic houses, libraries and archives which are:
- regional and/or run by local authorities or universities, or have independent Trust status
- open for at least half the week for at least six months of the year (but we’d be happy to discuss this further)
- at least provisionally accredited
If your museum is not fully or provisionally accredited you'll be asked to explain why, and to demonstrate a longstanding commitment to care for the collections to the same nationally recognised standard.
We’ll consider applications that:
- enhance or maximise the possibilities of already planned loans/exhibitions/programming
- enable ‘quickfire’ and ‘quick win’ loan requests
- support long-term relationship and display development
We don’t expect you to have confirmed approval of any loan request before you apply, but you’ll be expected to demonstrate that you have discussed the details in depth with the relevant national museum partner and ascertained the conditions that will need to be met to receive the loan, and the likely costs.
Funds available
£5,000-£25,000, though we are able to consider applications for more or less if there is a strong case to do so.
Related programmes
Get in touch
You are encouraged to review the Guidance for applicants and contact the Programmes team to discuss your initial ideas before submitting an application.
Please contact:
Katie Lloyd, grants manager
klloyd@artfund.org
How to apply
If you would like to apply, please read the applicant guidance before you start your application and get in touch with the Programmes team to have an initial discussion.
You’ll need to submit your application online by logging into My Art Fund, where you will find the application, budget and object loan list template.
You must be registered as a professional user to apply. If you already have a My Art Fund account but are not registered as a professional user, you can add your professional details when logged in.
If you require application forms in an alternative format, please contact the Programmes team.
“Apply for funding! We couldn’t have afforded to loan any of the works without the generosity of our funders. Our gallery space needed significant improvements before loans could be agreed; transport and insurance costs were a big cost and having museum-specific cases from previous funding was a necessity.”
“Be brave! Don’t be afraid to approach the nationals with your idea but make sure that it is clear and simple but also exciting and ambitious.”