Heritage Grants
New galleries, a new library, excellent learning facilities and a varied programme of events and activities of all ages have cemented the Beaney’s reputation as a major arts and historical resource for Kent and the wider region.
This was underpinned by a doubling of annual visitor numbers after the re-opening. As well as a restoration of the original late-Victorian building, the Beaney has witnessed a doubling in space with the addition of a new extension.
During 2013 the museum won or was shortlisted for a number of prestigious national awards. Being one of ten finalists for the national Art Fund Prize for that year was an important achievement in itself, which provided The Beaney with a national platform. The innovative learning and Front Room programmes were also recognised through a Sandford Award for Heritage Education. A Collections Trust award was received for best Participatory Practice Using Collections for a pioneering health and wellbeing project.
Art and crafts have always been central to the museum’s ethos and the restoration project was used as a springboard for new artistic commissions. These included colourful windows to mark the transition between the original and new parts of the building and kaleidoscopes offering ever changing views of rooms and displays.