Government commits £2m to arts-led World War II commemorations

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is investing £2m in a fund for arts centres, libraries and museums ahead of the forthcoming 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

VE Day, which takes place on 8 May, marks the Allied victory in Europe while VJ Day, on 15 August, signalled an end to World War II.

DCMS’ investment, to be managed by Arts Council England (ACE), includes £1.5m for an arts centres and libraries programme.

National network Futures Arts Centres will lead a programme of work featuring 40 arts centres and 20 libraries across the UK. Communities in each location will explore what the end of the war meant for their area, working with artists to create public-facing events distinct to their place.

The remaining £500,000 is being granted to ACE’s network of museum development partners that will deliver a programme of creative and cultural activity in response to the two days, working across England and featuring up to 20 museums.

ACE chief executive Darren Henley said the projects hosted by arts centres, libraries and museums will “provide us with the opportunity to reflect and to remember, as part of the wider programme of commemorations that are planned”.