LONDON.- Today the Art Fund launched Art Miles, a new fundraising initiative to get members of the public walking to raise money for their local museum. On Sunday 22 March 2015, three museums (Chiswick House and Gardens, Dulwich Picture Gallery, and William Morris Gallery), will host a three mile walk around their surroundings, hosting a range of cultural activities along the way. Each walk will take in several points of interest – so whether participants are keen to visit buildings and part of Chiswick House and Gardens which are not normally open to the public, experience falconry at Dulwich Picture Gallery, or come away with their own artwork from William Morris Gallery - there is something for everyone and all ages.

With museums under more pressure than ever before, community fundraising has become a vitally important ingredient to ensuring that local museums continue to survive and flourish. A recent piece of research, co-commissioned with the National Museum Directors Council, showed that although 90% of museum visitors give to charity, only 40% give to museums and galleries.

Stephen Deuchar, director of the Art Fund, said: “Local museums are under increasing pressure to find new ways to raise funds and to bring their local community through their doors, particularly given that fundraising often makes up a substantial percentage of overall museum income. As the national fundraising charity for art, we hope that Art Miles will galvanise both existing and new supporters, helping communities to enjoy beautiful buildings, parks and art on their doorsteps.”

Registration opened today for the new initiative at www.artfund.org/artmiles. Participants should sign up online. The £20 registration fee includes entry to the Art Miles event at their chosen venue and an Art Miles bag. The registration fee plus any sponsorship raised on top will go directly to the museum or gallery where the individual has chosen to gain their ‘Art Miles’.

Chiswick House and Gardens
The walk will take you through the historic Grade 1-listed gardens. Guides will talk about the history of the landscape design and the features, many designed by William Kent; including the Beautiful Cascade water feature and the Obelisk. The walk will also include the Classic Bridge, Ionic Temple, exclusively open for Art Miles participants, and the beautiful Conservatory to see the famous Camellia collection in bloom and then will finish at Chiswick House. There you will be free to wander at your own pace through the magnificent neo-Palladian villa, built by the third Earl of Burlington in 1729 to showcase his art collection and to enthral his guests. The house continues to display many spectacular works of art.

Dulwich Picture Gallery
Bring the family and join us for a Jacobean stroll through 17th-century actor and manager Edward Alleyn’s country estate. Starting at Dulwich Picture Gallery with an introduction to its fascinating history, the route will take you through attractive parkland, stopping to look at some of the notable historic buildings, trees and sites. Returning to the Gallery at the end there will be an opportunity to enjoy some delicious food and fantastic falconry, as well as free entry to the Gallery itself. Feel free to come dressed in costume of the period!

William Morris Gallery
Raise much-needed funds for the Gallery while exploring your creative side in the beautiful surroundings of Lloyd Park. For one day only the park will be transformed into an arts and crafts activity trail for families of all ages. Along the route you’ll meet special guest artists and there will be one or two surprises inspired by the Gallery’s collections. You’ll leave with your own work of art, created step-by-step along the trail. For those who like an extra challenge, why not come dressed up inspired by William Morris? There will be prizes for the best costume. Wellies highly recommended!