West Yorkshire museums boost local economy by £34m

Museums in West Yorkshire have contributed more than £34m to the regional economy, according to information released by local authorities.

Figures released by Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Local Authority Museum Partnership reveal the museums welcomed over 1.7m visitors last year through their doors.

The information has been released on a new video, which highlights attractions across the county and encourages people to take pride in their local museums and galleries.

Sarah Maxfield, area director for the north at Arts Council England said: ‘England has some of the finest regional museums in the world, with extraordinary collections ranging from the earliest prehistory to modern art and science.

‘It’s great to see the social and economic benefits West Yorkshire’s museums provide presented in such a creative and lively way in this video.’

‘West Yorkshire’s museums burst with world history, culture and local heritage, from prehistoric monsters and treasures of Ancient Rome and Egypt to a real Victorian street. From liquorice in Pontefract to the Duke of Wellington’s very own Wellington boots in Halifax.

‘Local art galleries house masterpieces by Moore and Lowry in Huddersfield, Hockney in Bradford and one of the best British art collections outside London in Leeds. Other attractions include historic halls and houses, watermills and ruined monasteries, castles and country estates, as well as beautiful parkland walks’.

Leeds City Council leader, Cllr Judith Blake added: ‘When we think of our local museums and galleries, we should never forget what great cultural assets we have on our doorsteps,’

‘As well as helping us enjoy more fulfilling lives, and making Leeds and West Yorkshire such a great place to live, our museums and arts play an important and often overlooked role in supporting the regional economy.’