Further £9 million announced for our region's arts organisations
The second round of funding has been announced by the government today
A further £9 million has been announced for cultural and creative organisations in the East of England as part of a £1.57 billion government rescue package.
In our region, the money will help save 51 theatres, galleries, performance groups, arts organisations, museums and local venues during the coronavirus pandemic.
Today's funding follows £257 million awarded to nearly 1400 organisations across the country on Monday.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, said: “This is more vital funding to protect cultural gems across the country, save jobs and prepare the arts to bounce back. Through Arts Council England we are delivering the biggest ever investment in the arts in record time. Hundreds of millions of pounds are already making their way to thousands of organisations.
“These awards build on our commitment to be here for culture in every part of the country.”
Hedley Swain, Area Director, South East, Arts Council England, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to support a further 51 organisations across the East of England, which will share £9 million, through Round 2 of the Culture Recovery Fund: Grants. The investment will help them to navigate the immediate challenges that are ahead, as well as supporting their plans for 2021.”
Meurig Bowen, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Britten Sinfonia, said: “We are so grateful for our award from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, which will enable us to develop an extensive, Covid-compliant strand of work encompassing nearly 100 new live events for communities throughout the East of England. That means crucial income for our freelance musicians who have endured so much financial hardship in recent months. This award helps us to bring our audiences and our musicians back together again in the way that we, and they, have all longed for – sharing the experience of live, world class music with each other.”