Witham Hall receives lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund
The Witham in Barnard Castle is set to receive Government funding as part of the very first round of Culture Recovery Fund Grants programme.
This week thee Culture Secretary has announced a £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help the arts and culture sector face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future.
The Witham, based in Barnard Castle, will receive £50,000 in funding as a part of the Government’s plans to help the arts and culture sector bounce back from the impacts of the Coronavirus.
Responding to the news, Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison said:
“With over 150 years providing education, entertainment and welfare for the people of Barnard Castle and Teesdale, the Witham is a vital part of the community and I wholeheartedly welcome this additional funding today.
There is no escaping from the fact that the arts and culture sector has been hit incredibly hard by this virus. This funding will be a much-needed lifeline for local cultural gems like the Witham, and for others across the country.”
The Witham is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country re ceiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced this week 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.
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.”