MLA

The East Midlands region is made up of six counties: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland, with 9 unitary authorities. Although geographically large it is the second smallest region in terms of population.

Cultural provision in the East Midlands includes

•  213 museums (52 in Derbyshire, 39 in Leicestershire, 52 in Lincolnshire, 32 in Nottinghamshire, 35 in Northamptonshire and three in Rutland) 
•  348 static public library service points provided by local authorities, and 52 library vehicles in the region. Additionally, there is extensive library provision in the education, commercial and industrial sectors; for example the region's nine universities operate 31 libraries. 
•  74 archive holding organisations including six main archive services and a regional film archive.

MLA plays a key role in supporting local authorities and those responsible for delivery in promoting the importance of museums, libraries and archives in tackling challenges such as social inclusion, developing sustainable communities, promoting economic regeneration and improving learning and health. The regional cultural agencies which came together are part of the regional commentary process now meet on a regular basis to ensure that the benefit of this approach is felt across the region.

The national Living Places programme brings together cultural agencies to lead spatial planning for culture and sport, and MLA chairs the East Midlands Living Places Partnership with Corby, in Northamptonshire, being one of the five Living Places pilot areas knows as Priority Places.