On June 1 Bridport Museum launched its Crowdfunding campaign with the hope of raising £20,000 towards its big redevelopment project. Local businesses, volunteers and staff have all joined in supplying fun and fabulous rewards for people who have pledged.
The Museum was awarded £841,000 in March this year from the Heritage Lottery Fund, but the team still has around £70,000 to raise to complete the £1.3 million project. “We are hoping that the local community will help us raise £20,000 through crowdfunding to help reduce that target” Emily Hicks, Bridport Museum Curator.
Artist’s impression of the new rope and net gallery
The project is the culmination of more than three years’ research and development, and will include urgent repair and restoration to the Museum building itself, followed by a complete redisplay of all museum galleries. The galleries will be fun and interactive, showing off the Museum’s incredible collections in new and engaging ways.
The museum has already received some wonderful rewards from the local community. Hicks said, ‘We are hugely grateful to everyone who has already donated some fabulous rewards. The rewards include something for everyone, from unique fossil hunting experiences to LEGO Dinosaurs. We are hoping that work will begin on the Museum in September this year. If we can raise the rest of the money this summer, the project will be completed in time to open for Spring 2017.
Simon Mazzei of the Olive Tree Restaurant has donated a generous and unique pledge which is soon to be revealed. Simon says: ‘we love Bridport, we love our local museum, we hope you do too.’
The money raised will also help ensure that the museum is fully accessible: A new lift will enable all visitors to view displays on the first floor and an accessible toilet will also include baby changing facilities. “We are thrilled the redevelopment project is going ahead – we are very much looking forward to the new heating system!” said Lynne Gittens, Bridport Museum Volunteer.
George Streatfeild, Chair of Bridport Museum Trust said: ‘This is a brilliant opportunity for the people of Bridport to help ‘make their museum’. Entry to the Museum will still be free after the redevelopment so the Museum is here for everyone to enjoy, far into the future.’
To support the project, visit their Crowdfunder site.
To follow progress and keep track of new and exciting rewards, like the Museum’s Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @bridportmuseum
