£257 million to support arts and culture

13 Oct 2020 02:10 PM

1385 arts organisations are benefitting from a share of £257 million as part of a vital financial boost from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.  

We yesterday contacted organisations that applied for grants under £1 million in the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund with news about their awards, which we're distributing on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. 

The allocation is the biggest tranche of funding distributed to date from the Culture Recovery Fund, bringing the total amount of grant funding awarded so far to more than £360 million. Further funding for organisations is due to be announced in the coming days and weeks.

Yesterday’s funding will help save 1,385 theatres, galleries, performance groups, arts organisations and cultural venues that are facing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, ensuring they have a sustainable future. 

It will boost iconic organisations and venues known around the world, such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the Bristol Old Vic Theatre and Liverpool’s Cavern Club, as well as hundreds of smaller organisations at the heart of communities across the country, such as the 50-seat Finborough Theatre in Earl’s Court, Beamish Living Museum in County Durham, the Northcott Theatre in Exeter and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield.

This funding will help allow performances to restart, venues to plan for reopening and to help protect jobs and create opportunities for freelancers.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden yesterday said:

“The government is here for culture and we have worked around the clock to get this funding to arts organisations. It will give many of our wonderful theatres, museums, art groups and cultural venues a helping hand to get them back on their feet. This money will get to work right across the country to save these places and protect jobs and hundreds of millions pounds is on the way for cultural organisations of all sizes that still need our help.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England yesterday said:

“Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This is a difficult time for us all, but this first round of funding from the Culture Recovery Fund will help sustain hundreds of cultural spaces and organisations that are loved and admired by local communities and international audiences. Further funding will be announced later in the month and we are working hard to support creative organisations and individuals during these challenging times.”