Gunnersbury Park and Museum has been awarded the National Portfolio Organisation, becoming the first such organisation in Ealing and one of three in Hounslow.
Published: Friday, 11th November 2022
National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs), are chosen by the Arts Council England based on their ability to deliver ACE’s ‘let’s create’ strategy and engage communities and individuals in arts, culture and heritage.
Gunnersbury will receive £129,500 per year for the next three years. The funding from Arts Council will enable Gunnersbury Park and Museum to build on the pioneering work that was made possible through its previous National Lottery Heritage Fund project, taking the museum service from strength to strength.
Gunnersbury Park’s Museum, which is run by a community interest company (CIC), already has a successful schools programme for the local community.
This funding will also focus on:
- Enhancing digital learning.
- A heritage careers-focused programme in secondary schools.
- Creating community cultural champions.
- Engaging with local creative enterprise zones.
David Babington Smith, chair of the Directors at Gunnersbury Estate (2026) CIC, said: “This is excellent news for Gunnersbury, and for west London, as only the second organisation to receive NPO status in the area. We are very grateful to the Arts Council for this significant grant towards our learning and museum services, which will allow us to bring more arts, culture and heritage engagement opportunities to the residents of Ealing and Hounslow.”
Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Parking, Parks and Leisure, Councillor Salman Shaheen, said: “Hounslow has some of the leading parks and green spaces in London, and I’m delighted that Gunnersbury Park has been recognised by the Arts Council as a National Portfolio Organisation. By becoming a National Portfolio Organisation, Gunnersbury becomes the second organisation in West London to be recognised by the Arts Council, following Brentford’s Waterman’s Arts Centre.
“Gunnersbury has been rightly praised for its ability to engage communities with compelling arts and culture, and NPO recognition is testament to all the hard work by Gunnersbury, the Council, and its partners. Core funding provided by the Arts Council ensures that the Park is able to work with the Hounslow and Ealing communities to deliver a best-in-class schools and exhibition programme, and manage the necessary staffing and resourcing requirements.
“We encourage visitors and residents alike to discover all that Gunnersbury Park & Museum has to offer, all year round.”
Councillor Shivraj Grewal, Cabinet Member for Communities and Equalities at Hounslow Council, said: “We are delighted that Gunnersbury Park and Museum have received this status and funding from the Arts Council – cementing our reputation as a leading London borough for the arts and culture.
“Gunnersbury Park and Museum is a much-loved institution by the local community and plays an important part of Hounslow’s wider cultural heritage. This funding will broaden connections with local schools and communities – ensuring Gunnersbury remains a thriving cultural hub for all residents to enjoy.”
