Castle Park Arts Centre receives lifeline grant from Government's Culture Recovery Fund

Castle Park Arts Centre has been awarded £50,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future; the Culture Secretary has announced today.

 Castle Park Arts Centre is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

The Arts Centre has regional significance and provides cultural opportunities to the North West of England and North Wales.  We offer free public access to the building and art exhibitions that are regionally significant.  Enhancing local creative skills is at the heart of our organisation.  There are very few local organisations that offer the high level of cultural engagement that we provide to audiences and people from underserved groups in society.  It is currently home to almost 50 groups and associations and welcomes over 80,000 visitors each year.  Central to the ethos of the Arts Centre is the value placed upon being a safe, welcoming space for the well-being of the community.  This grant will help protect the Arts Centre’s viability through the Covid-19 crisis so it can continue its valuable contribution to the community it serves.     

 Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

 “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery. 

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

Chair, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said:

 “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”

 

Trustee, Castle Park Arts Centre, Hugh Hoather, said:

“Castle Park Arts Centre has become a special place in the community for its culture, art, support and entertainment.  Receiving this funding will provide much needed financial support to underpin our ability to ride out the considerable challenges the pandemic has presented.  We now have the best possible chance of being able to survive this crisis.”