Groups may apply for grants of up to £5,000 to use museum, library and archives spaces in innovative ways
A new Challenge Fund to promote adult informal learning is now available to museums, libraries and archive venues in England.
The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) is looking for partnership bids with self-organised groups of adult learners to support them in the use of our spaces and resources in new ways.
Museums, libraries and archives may apply for grants of up to £5000 from a pot of £100,000. The minimum that organisations can apply for is £500 for projects to be delivered by end March 2010.
The Government defines informal adult learning as learning for its own intrinsic value. The term covers a huge variety of activities; it could include a reading group in a village hall, a music class in an FE college, researching the National Gallery collection on-line or taking part in a volunteer project to record the living history of a particular community.
The MLA Challenge Fund is highlighted in the Learning Revolution White Paper as part of the implementation of a new informal adult learning movement. It is intended to encourage museums, libraries and archives to develop new approaches to partnership working and could fund:
• the purchase of equipment to support the self-organised group/s to make use of the collection (e.g. a camera/projector)
• waiving room hire charges
• the development of workshops using the museum, library or archive collection
• an exhibition or learning event in the museum, library or archive space
• the development of a publication
Natasha Innocent, MLA Senior Policy Adviser Learning and Skills, says: “Museums, libraries and archives have a vital role to play in the Government’s new vision of lifelong learning. We hope this challenge fund will spark innovation and creativity by providing grants to organisations with the best ideas of how to help self-organised learning groups thrive.”
The deadline for applications is noon on 17 July 2009. All applications to the MLA Informal Adult Learning Challenge Fund 2009-2010 must be made on the application form available on the MLA website www.mla.gov.uk
Applicants must have demonstrated their commitment to the new informal adult learning movement announced in the Learning Revolution White Paper by signing the Learning Revolution pledge.
To sign up to the pledge visit the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) website http://www.dius.gov.uk/skills/engaging_learners/informal_adult_learning/pledge
If you would like to check your eligibility or have any specific queries regarding your eligibility or the application process, please contact Chris Fardon chris.fardon@mla.gov.uk
Ends
Notes to Editors
1. The MLA is the government's agency for museums, libraries and archives. Leading strategically, we promote best practice to inspire innovative, integrated and sustainable services for all. Visit www.mla.gov.uk
2. For more information on the Learning Revolution White Paper visit http://www.dius.gov.uk/skills/engaging_learners/informal_adult_learning