Two Wolverhampton galleries have been given renewed national backing to continue to put the city on the international arts map.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Bilston Craft Gallery have both been retained in the Arts Council England's National Portfolio 2015 to 2018, which recognises the good practice of creative organisations.

As part of the award, Wolverhampton will receive £383,265 funding for the venues over the next 3 years.

Wolverhampton was one of 877 applicants bidding for inclusion in the National Portfolio, which will provide £1 billion funding for more than 650 organisations.

Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "This is fantastic news and illustrates the world class standard of our galleries.

"There is a lot of competition from organisations across the country to get in the National Portfolio so it is extremely pleasing that we have been chosen.

"Our staff at both Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Bilston Craft Gallery work extremely hard to provide interesting and educational exhibitions for visitors to enjoy. This award is testament to that hard work."

Corinne Miller, Head of Culture, Arts and Heritage at Wolverhampton City Council, added: "We are delighted with this announcement.

"The ongoing support of Arts Council England for Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Bilston Craft Gallery will enable us to continue to bring contemporary visual arts and craft to people in Wolverhampton and beyond.

"In recent months, their funding has allowed us to present internationally recognised and highly acclaimed artwork such as the popular Ron Mueck exhibition, and it means a great deal that the value of what we do has been recognised and supported in this way."

  • released: Thursday 3 July, 2014