Hartlepool to benefit from cultural funding pot
Hartlepool is among 10 places in the North East and Teesside which will be prioritised for cultural funding.
Hartlepool is among 10 places in the North East and Teesside which will be prioritised for cultural funding.
Part of the Government's levelling up drive, 75 million pounds will be granted by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Other local authority areas in the North East of England included on the list are County Durham, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and Cleveland and Darlington
The North East is already home to a number of organisations which receive ACE support including Beamish museum and the Festival of Thrift.
Stella Hall & Emma Whitenstall, co-directors, Festival of Thrift, Redcar and Cleveland:
“Festival of Thrift is a CIC firmly rooted in the Tees Valley and over the last 10 years with support from Arts Council England we have expanded from an annual weekend event into a year-round organisation focusing on sustainability and reaching out locally from our Redcar home across the UK and internationally to audiences of all backgrounds.
“As we embark on our next chapter we are really excited about Let’s Create and the new investment opportunities available for cultural organisations which, like ours, deliver vital cultural services outside London.
“Applying for NPO status means we can develop new jobs, training and employability skills for people in our local community as well as provide representative and appropriate cultural opportunities.
“We believe local communities’ voices are a powerful catalyst for climate action and essential for the development of social growth in our Northern towns and cities.
“In 2022 Festival of Thrift will explore the theme of ‘Our Common Wealth’ – what do we share? What do we have in common?
“We will be listening to our communities and travelling and learning together on our journey of growth.”
Levelling Up for Culture Places were identified by DCMS and ACE as areas of historic low cultural engagement and spending.
Annabel Turpin, CEO of ARC Stockton, said:
“NPO investment means we can commit to giving our communities outstanding cultural experiences, create jobs and support the growth of creative industries locally.
“This increases people’s pride in the area and connects our communities, giving people here the same opportunities as anywhere else in the UK.
“It has helped us put Tees Valley on the map for its cultural ambitions, supporting us and others to realise them.”