Arts and culture organisations in Worcester are set to receive a total of £296,000 as part of the latest round of the government’s Cultural Recovery Fund. The fund was established to help organisations survive and allow them to resume programmes and events, while continuing to employ local people.
Since it was set up, the Cultural Recovery Fund has given £1.2 billion to around 5,000 organisations and sites across the country. In the latest round of funding, over £100 million has been awarded, helping organisations to survive, and allowing them to resume programmes and events. Worcester Live, the Cathedral, Dancefest and the Museum of Royal Worcester have previously benefitted from grant awards.
The recently rebranded Worcester Theatres (previously known as Worcester Live) will receive £122,000. The Museum of Royal Worcester will receive £52,108, and Museums Worcestershire who manage the Commandery and Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, will receive £48,000. The English Symphony Orchestra, which is based in the city, will receive £74,400 to assist the organisation in continuing its return to performing in front of live audiences.
The funding means that people will continue to have access to and enjoy everything that Worcester has to offer.
Commenting, Worcester MP Robin Walker said:
“It is wonderful to see these four excellent local organisations being supported by the government. Worcester is a city that is rich in the fields of culture and the arts, meaning it is vital that we support the organisations that drive this sector.
“The latest round of funding means that, despite the difficulties of the pandemic, Worcester’s culture and heritage remains in place for us all to enjoy.”
Sarah-Jane Morgan, the Chief Executive of Worcester Theatres said:
“I am delighted that Worcester Theatres have received funding in the Cultural Recovery Funding Continuity Support round. The DCMS have supported Worcester Theatres throughout the pandemic proving a consistent stability to our organisation, securing both the Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall venues for the city of Worcester, whilst providing job security for those who work within the organisation.
“The funding has also allowed us the opportunity to continue to provide cultural and creative opportunities within the arts for the city of Worcester and the county of Worcestershire for those who have wished to access them throughout the pandemic.”
Image: Worcester's Swan Theatre, shared with the kind permission of Worcester Theatres