'Huge relief' as Dorset attractions net extra £750,000 recovery grants
Lighthouse, Poole and Bovington Tank Museum are benefitting from the latest round of government funding.
Two Dorset attractions are describing an extra round of Government recovery grants as a 'huge relief'.
Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the arts and Bovington Tank Museum are both receiving a share of over £750,000
More than £100 million has been awarded to hundreds of cultural organisations across the country.
The third round of funding will support organisations from all corners of the sector as they deal with ongoing reopening challenges, ensuring they can thrive in better times ahead.
Lighthouse received £487,423 in the latest round and Bovington Tank Museum received £296,000.
“This is a huge relief and the best news we could have hoped for as we build our way back,” says Chief Executive Elspeth McBain.
“Although we have been delighted to welcome back the audiences and artists we have missed for so long, there remains uncertainty and caution for both artists and audiences and this award will bolster our long-term financial security so that we can continue to present the world class performance and cultural experiences that our community demands and deserves.”
It is particularly timely as Lighthouse hosts the brilliant Global Rainbow light art installation this week as a symbol of resilience, thanks and hope for the future. The rainbow of light over Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch can be seen for over 35 miles and offers an opportunity for unifying wonderment and reflection.
Bovington Tank Museum Director Richard Smith said:
“We are extremely grateful for this generous award from Arts Council England, which will be used to ensure The Tank Museum can thrive in the uncertain post-COVID economy.
“Specifically, we will be accelerating our investment in digital; supporting the success of our award-winning e-commerce initiatives and event live-streaming capacity.
“In addition, we will be upgrading the on-site visitor experience with, among other things, enhanced family-focused interactivity in our signature Tank Story exhibition.”
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said:
“Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from.
“Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”
Over £1.2 billion has already been awarded from the unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund, supporting around 5000 individual organisations and sites across the country ranging from local museums to West End theatres, grassroots music venues to festivals, and organisations in the cultural and heritage supply-chains.