Two Isle of Wight Arts organisations are among hundreds across England to receive a share of £107 million Culture Recovery Fund from Arts Council England.
Ventnor Exchange has been awarded £35,000 continuity support funding, whilst StoneCrabs Theatre have been awarded £49,633 through the Emergency Resource Support Fund.
Jack Whitewood and Mhairi Macaulay from Ventnor Exchange told News OnTheWight,
“We’re thrilled Arts Council England have continued to support Ventnor Exchange through the Culture Recovery Fund which has provided a vital lifeline for cultural organisations during the Covid pandemic.
“This funding will go towards supporting the continued operation of Brave Island, our digital platform which provides opportunities to 14-25 year olds, supporting our many community groups like the Ventnor Exchange Spoken Word Collective, and retaining core staff over the winter period as we gradually return to operating fully.
“We remain open six days a week with a vibrant programme of events, performances and workshops open to everyone, as well as a cracking craft beer and cocktail bar, coffee shop and record store, which all helps to raise funds for our work.”
Culture Recovery Fund
The Culture Recovery Fund has already got £1.2 billion out the door to around 5,000 organisations and sites across the country and this latest round of funding is giving a lifeline to regional theatres, local museums, independent cinemas and many more throughout the winter.
£13.3 million in continuity support grants will be awarded to 105 previous Culture Recovery Fund recipients in the south west, administered by Arts Council England, the British Film Institute, Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund. Helping organisations survive and allowing them to resume programmes and events, the funding will mean people can get back to enjoying everything they have to offer.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said,
“This continued investment from the Government on an unprecedented scale means our theatres, galleries, music venues, museums and arts centres can carry on playing their part in bringing visitors back to our high streets, helping to drive economic growth, boosting community pride and promoting good health. It’s a massive vote of confidence in the role our cultural organisations play in helping us all to lead happier lives.”
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.”
