Arts Council England (ACE) has announced the publication of its new strategic framework for the museums sector, which sets out its vision for the future of UK heritage attractions.

The document, Culture, knowledge and understanding: great museums and libraries for everyone, outlines how museums and libraries will be incorporated into ACE's work. It comes ahead of the transfer of the Museums, Libraries and Archives (MLA) Council's roles and functions to ACE, which is scheduled to take place on 1 October.

Meanwhile, ACE has also launched the new open application process for the Renaissance in the Regions funding programme, which will see £43m made available each year. The process will close on 2 November, with decisions to be made in January. Grants worth between £500,000 and £2m a year are available over a period of three-years.

ACE chief executive Alan Davey said: "Our new application process, based on the system we used for National Portfolio arts organisations, is the best way to make sure that opportunity is available to a wider range of regional museums." Details: Renaissance in the Regions -- ACE's new strategic framework

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