Whitaker Museum named Lancashire’s Cultural Venue of the Year

The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery has been named Cultural Venue of the Year at the 2021 Lancashire Tourism Awards after a spectacular £2.5m refurbishment re-imagined the historic museum during 2021.  

Announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the Stanley House Hotel & Spa, and hosted by top Blackburn comedian Tez Ilyas, the award recognised the museum’s outstanding cultural, educational and holistic offer, not only for local people but also in attracting visitors from further afield to Lancashire.

Run by its own Community Interest Company (CIC), the award is the cherry on top of a transformational year for the museum after a £2.5m National Heritage Lottery Fund Grant and partnership with Rossendale Borough Council re-imagined the 120-year-old museum.

Carl Bell, Managing Director at The Whitaker Museum said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won Cultural Venue of the Year and especially after the challenges of the past two years. This award is testament to the hard work of our dedicated volunteers, trustee board and the visitors who keep coming back to support and experience this magical building.

“The re-development allowed for additional gallery space, a new café and shop, the preservation of historic collections, and a fantastic events and outreach space that will allow us to develop the financial sustainability of the museum.

“The new spaces also allow a busy programme of events including film nights, creative workshops, dementia friendly cafes, refugee arts groups, and an outstanding creative arts exhibition programme designed to support local, upcoming, and renowned contemporary artists and craftspeople. There really is something for everyone.”

(l-r) Blackburn comedian Tez Ilyas, Carl Bell (Managing Director) and Gaynor Seville (Creative Director) and Denise Park (Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council – the category sponsor)

The re-development project was delivered in partnership with Rossendale Council, and Council Leader Alyson Barnes added:

“This is fantastic news not just for The Whitaker but for Rossendale as a whole.

“The Whitaker is such a fantastic asset for Rossendale and the recent improvements have really put it on the map in terms of the cultural offering available, not just in Lancashire but in the North West as a whole.

It’s been hugely beneficial for the residents of Rossendale and also the large number visitors it attracts from outside the area. This award is a great recognition of the work that’s been done and a real seal of approval.”

Carl added:

“Richard Whitaker gifted the museum to the people of Rossendale in 1902, to provide wellbeing, cultural and educational opportunities for local families. Incredibly relevant in today’s climate, Richard’s legacy continues to support community wellbeing and helps to connect the past, present and future for generations to enjoy.”

Other finalists included Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, Culturapedia in Blackburn, Browsholme Hall in Cow Ark, and the Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Annes.