I am pleased that Sheringham Little Theatre, Wells Maltings, and Openwide Coastal (Cromer Pier) are today receiving over £420,000 in grants from the Culture Recovery Fund.
In North Norfolk, the following grants have been awarded:
Sheringham Little Theatre: £76,644
Wells Maltings Trust: £95,000
Openwide Coastal (Cromer Pier): £250,000
Two of the three awardees were mentioned in my question to Caroline Dineage MP, Minister of State for Digital and Culture back, in July.
In total, £257 million has been awarded to arts organisations nationwide, including venues and organisations such as the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, National Maritime Museum, London Symphony Orchestra, the Cavern Club, the Curve Theatre, and the Wigmore Hall. This investment is a vital boost for cultural beacons across the country. Today's recipients are those that applied for grants of under £1m in the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund.
The funding will help with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and ensure they have a sustainable future, enabling performances to restart, plan for reopening, an Ito protect jobs and create opportunities for freelancers.
Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England, said:
Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns, and villages. This is a difficult time for us all, but this first round of funding from the Culture Recovery Fund will help sustain hundreds of cultural spaces and organisations that are loved and admired by local communities and international audiences. Further funding will be announced later in the month and we are working hard to support creative organisations and individuals during these challenging times.
Playwright James Graham said:
It's such a relief then to see these significant funds now reaching organisations who want to begin making work for their communities to enjoy. It's also important that these theatres are spread nationwide, are big and small, and include venues like the tiny Finborough pub theatre - which is where I cut my teeth and wouldn't be a playwright or screenwriter without it.
