Funding a ‘vital boost’ for venues

Arts and culture organisations across the district have been given a boost of more than £400,000.

The government has awarded substantial sums to a number of much-loved groups and centres, to help them face the financial challenges posed by the Covid19 pandemic.

Canterbury Festival was awarded £117,300, while the University of Kent’s Gulbenkian Theatre received £140,000. In Whitstable, both Horsebridge Arts Centre and events firm The Event Umbrella Ltd received £75,000. They are among 30 organisations across

Kent that are to benefit from a £4.2m share of grants from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, which is set to reach £1.56bn nationally.

A total of £257m was awarded across the country this week, as part of the first tranche of funding.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden describes the investment as a “vital boost” for cultural beacons, which will help them to continue creating work and performances, and prepare for their eventual reopening.

He 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.”

Hedley Swain, south east area director for Arts Council England, added: “We know that this investment by Government cannot save everyone; but it is vital, both to the immediate survival of so many and the long-term recovery of the whole sector.”

A further tranche of funding is expected to be announced by the Government later this month.