A new 'road map' for the development of the Renaissance museums funding programme in future years has been announced by Arts Council England (ACE).

Working with the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), the agency has outlined plans for the future of the scheme in 2011-12 and beyond.

ACE has appointed Sir Andrew Motion - current MLA chair - to its National Council as an observer to ensure greater museums and libraries expertise.

Funding decisions taken in 2011-12 will remain the responsibility of the MLA, although any decisions with longer-term implications will be taken in conjunction with ACE.

Plans for the 2011-12 Renaissance budget will be announced on 11 February, which will see a total of £35m distributed to regional museums and priority projects.

Meanwhile, ACE has confirmed that it will reveal its long-term plans for Renaissance beyond 2011-12 in the autumn ahead of the 2012-13 decision making process.

Museums will be able to apply for Renaissance funding for 2012-15 in September, with the decisions to be published at the end of the year.

The museums sector will also be consulted in the spring and summer as part of ACE's bid to fulfil the MLA's vision for a reformed Renaissance programme.

ACE chief executive Alan Davey said: "Although there are considerably less funds available than in previous years, and we have some tough decisions ahead, there is room for ambition alongside pragmatism."