LUX Awarded Museum Accreditation Status

Originally founded in 1966, LUX is a UK organisation for the support and promotion of artists working with the moving image. It represents the UK’s largest collection of films and video works by visual artists dating from the 1920’s to the present day, with over 6000 works by more than 1500 artists. Museum accreditation recognises LUX’s important role in caring for, managing and making accessible this unique national collection through exhibitions, screenings, loans and publishing.

LUX’s new museum status also finally realises the bequest of Sir Sydney Waterlow, who donated Waterlow Park, LUX’s home, to the people of London in 1889 with the intention of having a museum in the park’s grounds.

Administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership, Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run Museums. It means that LUX is properly managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standard and shows the museum takes proper care of its collections, sharing them with visitors and keeping them safe for future generations.

Accreditation opens up exciting funding opportunities, allows museums to host touring exhibitions and gives access to professional advice and support. It also gives confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.

Accreditation covers museums of all types and sizes – from the smallest volunteer-run museums to national museums – and more than 1,700 museums are currently taking part in the scheme across the UK.

Benjamin Cook, Director, LUX said: “We are grateful to achieve museum accreditation status which recognises our work in caring for and developing the de-facto national collection of artists’ moving image works, a unique body of work representing visual artists’ engagement with film and video over the past century.”

Liz Johnson, Director, Museums and Cultural Property at Arts Council England said: “We’re delighted that LUX has been successful in gaining their accreditation status. This means that their Collections will be looked after and maintained, offering inspiration, enjoyment and learning for the local community and visitors to enjoy now and in the future.”