Covid-19: Culture and Arts funded in Salisbury
Wiltshire Creative one of several to benefit from Government recovery fund
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced details of 2,700 organisations being offered nearly £400 million in grants and loans to help the culture sector reopen and recover, on top of the £1 billion that has already been allocated in the first round.
Over £58 million has been awarded to organisations in the South West of England in this latest round of funding, building on £76 million already awarded from the Culture Recovery Fund to organisations in the region.
WILTSHIRE CREATIVE
A number of key cultural organisations in the South West are set to benefit from this round, such as Wiltshire Creative, which is behind the Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury International Arts Festival.
Wiltshire Creative, the local combined arts group based in Salisbury is receiving a total of £215,552.
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said:
"Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced. Now we're staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead."
Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said:
"Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work. We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society."
The Forest Forge Theatre (based in the New Forest) is getting £55,000.
BOOST FOR OTHER LOCAL HERITAGE SITES
In addition, museums and other important heritage sites across the country have also benefited from more than £25 million in this latest round of funding.
Among those locally to get a share of this money are:
River Bourne Community Farm CIC Community heritage in Salisbury, is getting a boost totalling £15,000.
And the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection is receiving £14,100.