Image: The Discovery Museum is operated by TWAM

Arts Council England (ACE) has taken on responsibility for Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums' (TWAM) core funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The organisation which operates 12 museums and galleries in north east England will now receive more than £5.6m from ACE over the next three years under the new arrangement.

Funding responsibilities transferred from the government department to ACE represents a small proportion of TWAM's budget, with cash to specifically fund partnership elements.

In order to differentiate between its two ACE funding strands, TWAM will be known both as a Core-funded museum and as one of the 16 Major partner museums.

Culture minister Ed Vaizey said: "ACE is perfectly placed to ensure this outstanding resource continues to provide education, inspiration and entertainment for many years to come."

ACE chief executive Alan Davey added: "This additional responsibility is a further indication of the government's confidence in the Arts Council's ability to manage its growing cultural and educational remit efficiently and creatively."

Details: www.artscouncil.org.uk

Image: Neil T/flickr