Designation Scheme
The Designation Scheme identifies and celebrates outstanding collections, which deepen our understanding of the world and what it means to be human.
About the scheme
About the scheme
Since 1997 the Designation Scheme has identified the best collections held in museums, libraries and archives across England. The founding aims were to raise the profile of these vital collections and encourage everyone to safeguard them.
The award stimulates pride, support and cohesion within an organisation. It raises the profile of the collection nationally and internationally, and can open the door to new revenue streams, including Arts Council programmes.
Aims of the scheme
- Build a strong understanding of our shared heritage
- Reveal the strengths of England’s leading collections, described by geographic area, subject and quality
- Guard against the neglect or disposal of the nation’s treasures
- Help to ensure that funding is directed rationally
Benefits to organisations
- Strengthened support from their governing bodies
- Enhanced ability to raise funds to support the collection
- Raising of their profile at national level
- Providing a focus for advocacy and raising awareness
How to apply
How to apply
The Designation Scheme for cultural collections of outstanding significance is now temporarily closed for new applications until 2024.
Designated collections
Designated collections
Designated collections cover many different topics and time periods. They demonstrate eclectic tastes and intellectual journeys, the emergence of disciplines and theories and the careers of our famous figures.
They include political and ecclesiastical archives, collections of art history, literature, theatre and economics, and cover topics varying from the history of transportation to the medical profession.
They are located all over England, from Cornwall to Cumbria.
There are currently 163 Designated collections held in organisations across the whole of England.
Designation Panel
Designation Panel
The Designation Panel members work across the fields of arts, cultural heritage and historical research and meet twice a year to consider applications for Designated status.
The responsibilities of the Panel are to:
- decide the outcome of individual applications for Designated status for identified collections;
- objectively assess applications to ensure that the Designation criteria are interpreted consistently and correctly; and
- give credibility to the Designation scheme through their involvement and expertise.
