Kettle’s Yard ditches free admission ‘for financial sustainability’

Kettle's Yard art gallery in Cambridge will introduce admission charges later this month in a bid to ensure its financial sustainability for the future.

The venue is part of Arts Council England's new National Portfolio for 2023-26 through which it will receive £296k a year – the same annual amount it has received since 2018 as part of the last portfolio. 

But it has said that, due to inflationary pressures and the impact of the Covid pandemic, it needs to generate more income "so that we can continue our important work".

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"The impact of rising costs, standstill funding and Covid-19 has had a negative impact upon the finances of Kettle's Yard," a statement put out by the gallery said.

An admission charge of £10.50 will be introduced for visits to Kettle’s Yard House from 25 April. Free entry will remain available to under-25s, and exhibitions and events will remain free.

News of the charges coincides with figures released by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions which suggest audiences are returning more quickly to cultural sites offering free entry following the removal of Covid restrictions.

"This has not been an easy decision to make," Kettle's Yard said.

"We hope that everyone who cares about Kettle’s Yard, its uniqueness and value, will understand that our aim is to ensure that Kettle’s Yard is financially sustainable into the future and that we can continue to use art to enrich, teach and inspire for years to come."

"This additional income will help to ensure that the House continues to be a unique experience for visitors, and that we can conserve the art and objects on display for current and future generations."