HAMPSHIRE County Council is set to hand over the keys to the county’s arts and museum assets as a new trust pledges to make Hampshire a world-class venue for culture.

The Hampshire Cultural Trust will take over the operation and funding of all council-owned museums, galleries and art centres on Saturday, November 1 in a bid to boost the county’s cultural offering and make Hampshire a world-class destination for art and culture.

Buildings, assets and collections belonging to Hampshire County Council will be leased to the Trust and as a larger organisation, the Trust will be able to generate significant additional investment and have access to external grants and donations.

Hampshire Cultural Trust will work with all individual venues, which will include Milestones in Basingstoke, to boost their offerings, increase visitor numbers and make them more profitable.

All staff will be transferred to the employment of the Trust.

Janet Owen, executive officer of Hampshire Cultural Trust, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for arts and culture in Hampshire.

“The county has so much to offer culturally, both to residents and visitors, and our aim is to build on the fantastic success of what is already on our doorstep and elevate our portfolio into something world-class that has the power to transform people’s lives.”

Councillor Roy Perry, leader of Hampshire County Council, added: “We are very proud of Hampshire’s heritage and all that our museums service has achieved in looking after its world class collections and unique heritage.

“I am truly delighted that Hampshire’s museums, arts and cultural services have this opportunity to grow and flourish, bringing in more visitors to the local economy at the same time as being able to offer more for Hampshire’s residents.”

To find out more about Hampshire Cultural Trust’s exciting programme over the coming weeks, visit hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk.