Cabinet Office rules have barred the National Media Museum (NMM) from saying whether it fears government cutbacks may scupper its plan to open a base in London.
The NMM, which is Britain?s flagship photography museum, has yet to confirm whether it has been granted government funding for the project which is expected to see the creation of 1500m2 of exhibition galleries at a location in the capital yet to be named.
In the run up to the election it is not yet clear where precisely an incoming government will cut spending in order to tackle the huge budget deficit.
Asked whether any government cuts would delay or curtail the project altogether, a spokesman for the Bradford-based museum remained tight-lipped, telling us that it is bound by strict guidelines issued by the Cabinet Office during the election period.
He told Amateur Photographer: ?This means we cannot comment on anything that could be interpreted as making a political statement or relates to governance and financially related issues until after the election.?
Last month we reported that the museum was searching for a team of designers and architects to work on its planned London outpost.
NMM bosses recently met relevant parties in London to discuss the move, rumoured to involve the Science Museum.
The NMM has refused to confirm whether one or more venues is involved.
The galleries are due to open in September 2012 and will focus on photography, film television, radio and the internet.
The venue is due to boast a screening and performance space; private study rooms; a large welcome lounge; and a cafe and bar.
The NMM has said that a presence in London will enable it to bring its exhibitions programme and items from its collection to a ‘wider audience’.
