Rotherham literacy charity gets funding lifeline
Grimm & Co is among more than 1,300 charities to get a share of government cash
Last updated 12th Oct 2020
A Rotherham literacy charity - inspiring kids to get into creative writing - will be handed a funding lifeline.
Grimm and Co is among 1,300 venues to get a share of the government's Culture Recovery Fund.
£86,000 is on its way to help them survive the pandemic, and to allow them to continue delivering programmes through to spring 2021.
Grimm & Co say the cash will help them engage children, young people and families in creative ways, respond to the demand and need from schools, partners and communities, and "sprinkle a touch of magic" on those who need it the most.
The charity's Chair of Trustees, Sarah Dunwell said: "This year has been a challenging year for all of us, especially for those working in the hospitality or arts sector.
"Grimm & Co, as an arts charity, has suffered greatly from reduced funds, oscillating plans to react and respond, whilst continuing to deliver provision to the communities of Yorkshire.
"Today's news will mean we can focus on what we do best and support the children and young people we work with."
It is hoped the grant will help to get freelancers - also hit by the pandemic - back into work, too.
Deborah Bullivant, Founding Chief Executive said, “Securing this fund means our survival is safeguarded over the dark, winter months ahead. This means we can plan ahead, we can re-engage our wonderful freelance artists, our team is secure. We are so excited that we will now be able to deliver an enchanting programme of activities, in so many safe and exciting ways, to reach those communities where we can make the greatest difference. We are absolutely delighted and very relieved at this news today.”
Grants worth 257-million pounds are being shared among arts institutions across the country, as the sector has suffered badly through coronavirus.
The Cavern Club in Liverpool and Bristol's Old Vic Theatre are some of the other organisations and venues that have been successful in securing financial support.
The Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, is urging artists to “hang on in there for as long as they can”.
He says he hopes the money means they can now plan ahead - even if venues have to remain closed: "People want to do those jobs. I want to see them performing those jobs. The only reason they can't do it is because of this terrible disease."
"We are taking many measures to try and reduce the impact on them".