THE National Science and Media Museum announced yesterday that it has received support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to begin the development of its ambitious Sound and Vision galleries and accompanying activity programme.

Sound and Vision will inspire the city by providing wider access to iconic collections of photography, radio, film, TV, sound and digital technologies - from the world's first moving image to the advent of the digital age.

Created in close consultation with local communities, the galleries will make the museum the cultural cornerstone of many key projects, including Bradford's bid to be the City of Culture in 2025, the city’s culture strategy Culture is our Plan and the commitment to building a digital economy.

The initial first pass grant of £318,963 has been awarded for the development phase of the project, with the museum due to submit its second-round application next year to fund the delivery stage. If it is successful, it will be awarded more than £3 million towards the delivery of the £6 million Sound and Vision project.

Museum Director Jo Quinton-Tulloch said: “We are thrilled that The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded us this enormous opportunity to bring our world-class collections to life in new and exciting ways.

"By working collaboratively with our local audiences, we will explore the relevance and impact of image and audio technology throughout history, connecting the museum’s collections not only to this global communications age, but also directly to our home city.

"The project will give us the vital opportunity to realise the Science Museum Group’s mission of making STEM education open for all, helping to close some of the disparities caused by the pandemic and providing fantastic opportunities for our communities.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: "The development of the Sound and Vision galleries in Bradford is a brilliant opportunity to showcase these fascinating collections in one of the UK's most diverse and fastest-growing cities.

"Increasing access to culture and technology is a key part of our levelling up plans and it's fantastic to see the Science Museum Group carrying out their mission of bringing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education into local communities with this project."

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “It is brilliant news for our district that the National Science and Media Museum has attracted this initial investment from the National Lottery for its ambitious plans to develop their Sound and Vision Galleries.

“The museum is world-class and this investment is really exciting for the museum’s many visitors, including the thousands of children and young people who use the museum as an important educational resource."

"It is important that as part of the development, the museum will be engaging with local communities. Our UK City of Culture bid is about investing in our cultural fabric so that we are able to both inspire people and attract investment. Developing these galleries will do both.”

More information about Sound and Vision will be made available on the National Science and Media Museum website soon.