The Museums Association (MA) has updated its members on the implications of the UK leaving the European Union (EU), raising concerns of political and funding uncertainty for Britain’s institutions.

In its briefing, the MA predicted that the financial effects of the Brexit will be substantial, with further tightening of public spending likely and the loss of EU funding sources including the €1.4bn (US$1.55bn, £1.15bn) Creative Europe Programme, the European Regional Development Fund and the Horizon 2020 programme.

“Given that museums in the UK are already facing a very public environment, Brexit is likely to make this situation worse,” reads the report. “The experience of the 2008 recession shows that corporate and philanthropic giving is also likely to decrease.”

The briefing also highlighted the divisive tone of the referendum debate, which it was concerned could make “many museum workers, volunteers and visitors from ethnic minorities and/or other European countries feel unwelcome in the UK.”

Free movement has also been raised as a worry, which the MA says could have “a serious negative effect on the free exchange of ideas and talent, and the formation of constructive cultural networks in the UK.”

“We are hugely concerned about the impact of Brexit on museums in the UK,” said MA policy officer Alistair Brown, commenting on the briefing. “The loss of European funding and the likely impact on other public and philanthropic sources of funding will undoubtedly be damaging for museums and those who work in them.

“We will work hard to advocate for a stable transition for the sector as the Brexit process continues, and we look forward to discussing these issues at upcoming MA events.”

To read the full statement, click here.