Culture investment to "reinvigorate pride" in communities

Museums, libraries and heritage attractions to benefit from cash boost

Author: Jason BeckPublished 20th Mar 2023

Arts, culture and heritage organisations across Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex are being given hundreds of thousands of pounds from the government.

The biggest winner is Southampton City Art Gallery which has been awarded more than ÂŁ2.2m from the Cultural Investment Fund.

Nothe Fort in Weymouth has been awarded ÂŁ320,000.

Hampshire Libraries is receiving ÂŁ150,031 and Portsmouth Libraries has been awarded ÂŁ102,000.

Amberley Museum in Amberley is receiving ÂŁ433,766 and ÂŁ69,000 is going to Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft in Ditchling.

More than 70 cultural organisations across the country will share a pot of ÂŁ58.8m.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: "This investment will help to level up access to arts and culture for everyone, no matter where they live.

"Culture helps us create lifelong memories with our families and friends, provides entertainment and joy, and allows us to explore the world around us in new and exciting ways.

"It can also boost tourism, support local business and drive local economic growth.

"This funding will support brilliant arts organisations to upgrade their venues and create new projects that will be at the heart of their communities."

Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England said: "Investment in creativity and culture is a catalyst for improving well-being and raising aspirations, reinvigorating pride in communities, regenerating high streets and local economies, and bringing people together."

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