- Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, is delighted that Cumbrian organisations are due to benefit from a national pot of nearly £400 million in grants that will set up more than 2,700 organisations up for a summer of reopening and recovery
- Arts organisations, railway preservations trusts and theatre production companies in Penrith and The Border will benefit from the Culture Recovery Fund
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced details of over 2,700 organisations being offered nearly £400 million in grants and loans to help the culture and heritage sector reopen and recover.
This brings the Government's total investment across grants, capital and repayable finance from the Culture Recovery Fund so far to more than £1.2 billion across over 5,000 individual cultural and heritage organisations and sites.
This second tranche of funding builds on the lifeline grants already awarded to support museums, theatres, performance venues, historic sites and cinemas as they reopen to audiences and visitors throughout the spring and summer.
The funding was reserved in the first round of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to allow the Government to respond to the changing public health picture. With more than 70% of funding going outside of London, it will help organisations across the country as they welcome back visitors and return to normal operating models in the months ahead.
Some of the national organisations to receive funding are as follows:
- £170 million in repayable finance offered to National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company
- A further £81 million in loans for nationally and internationally significant organisations, including the Lowry and The Sage Gateshead
- The English Heritage Trust will receive £23.4 million for Covid related losses
The local organisations to receive funding include:
- R.J. Towers and Partners – Owners of Alhambra Cinema in Penrith
- Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust
- Eden Arts
- Highlights Productions
- Solway Aviation Society Ltd.
- South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society
- Lowther Castle Ltd
- Stainmore Railway Company Ltd.
- Lake District Estates t/a Ullswater Steamer Limited
Dr Hudson commented on the announcement:
“I am delighted that several organisations across Penrith and The Border will receive a very timely financial boost from the Culture Recovery Fund. It is vital that we protect these cultural organisations as they are the beating heart of our communities.
As lockdown restrictions begin to be lifted these organisations can hopefully thrive as locals and tourists alike enjoy the rich culture on offer in Penrith and The Border.”
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said:
“Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced.
“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”
