Four major arts organisations in Copeland have been given a funding lifeline as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
The Beacon Museum, Rosehill Youth Theatre, Rosehill Arts Trust and Cumbria Theatre Trust are to receive a total of £1,427,170 to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, a move which has been welcomed by the area’s MP, Trudy Harrison.
The venues are just four of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support.
Trudy said: “This year has been incredibly difficult for arts and cultural organisations across the country and many are in vital need of help.
“The Government is wholly committed to supporting our much loved arts venues in Copeland and this crucial lifeline will have a huge impact, helping to safeguard jobs and preserve these vibrant venues for future generations to enjoy.”
£257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.
James Cobbold, Executive Director and Liz Stevenson, Artistic Director said: "We’re very grateful to have received this extraordinary investment from the Government through the Culture Recovery Fund in support of the future of the Theatre. This award will help to protect our role in helping the communities of Cumbria to rebuild after Covid-19, and our contribution to the tourist economy and cultural ecology of the county as the only year-round producing theatre.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.
“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”
Chair, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”
