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Seventeen projects that bring local history, reading and heritage to people across Wales will be able to keep going until the end of March 2027, after the Welsh Government confirmed more than £550,000 in extra funding.
The money comes from the Enhanced Local Culture Sector Support for Museums, Archives & Libraries Grant Programme. It is intended to build on work that is already happening in communities. The Welsh Government says the funding is part of its Programme for Government commitment to widen access to culture.
Where the money is going
The projects cover a broad mix of work. The schemes named so far include:
- Blaenau Gwent: activities in the county’s libraries aimed at engaging young people
- Monmouthshire and Rhondda Cynon Taf: digitising historic collections
- Newport: a geocaching app designed to bring local history to life
- Vale of Glamorgan: a pilot reading strategy that will trial new ways of supporting literacy, working alongside schools and families
- Anglesey: a programme on archaeology and prehistory to introduce new audiences to Wales’ heritage
- Gwynedd: continued backing for Culture Gwynedd, which links the county’s museums, archives and libraries to open up culture to more people
What the minister said
Heledd Fychan, Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, said:
“Museums, archives and libraries are at the heart of our communities, connecting people with their history, their culture and each other. This funding will allow projects right across Wales to build on the fantastic progress they’ve already made, reaching more people, in more places, with the stories that matter to them.
“I want to thank all the organisations who have worked with us to develop these projects. Their continued commitment to engaging communities, protecting our heritage and widening access to culture is making a real difference, and I’m pleased we’re able to support them to extend this vital work through to March next year.”
Herstories in Merthyr Tydfil
Annabelle Dennis is project manager at Herstories in Merthyr Tydfil, which pairs a website with an immersive museum installation. She said:
“Herstories is just the beginning. By combining the Herstories website with our immersive museum installation, that brings women’s portraits and stories to life, we have created a platform that both inspires engagement and preserves history. While visitors can connect with these remarkable women through the immersive experience, the website serves as a lasting digital archive that can continue to grow as new stories are uncovered and shared.
“Together, they ensure that the voices of women from Merthyr Tydfil are not only heard today, but preserved for future generations, so that those who have been overlooked by history are recognised, remembered and never forgotten.”
