The government Minister responsible for arts and culture Nigel Huddleston visited the Swan Theatre in Worcester today to view the work that is going on to ensure a bright future for Worcester Theatres. Local MP Robin Walker joined Nigel on his visit alongside Worcester Theatres CEO Sarah-Jane Morgan and Chair of its board of Trustees Muff Murfin.
The theatre benefitted from a total of £474,00 over three separate applications to the government’s Cultural Recovery Fund. The fund was established to help arts and culture organisations through the pandemic. Over £2 billion was allocated nationwide, with Worcester benefiting from millions of pounds across a number of organisations.
Worcester Theatres will soon move from the Swan Theatre to the Scala Theatre as part of multi-million-pound regeneration work by the city council. The council received £17.9 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund to revamp the area around Angel Place and Angel Street which includes a full renovation of the Scala Theatre.
Speaking after the visit Robin said:
"It's always great to visit the Swan Theatre and the team at Worcester Theatres. Theatres are among those who have taken the biggest hit from the pandemic as crowds of people have been told to stay at home. That is why I am proud that our government has provided the vital support that arts and culture venues need to survive and thrive.
"I was glad to welcome my colleague, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism, Heritage and Civil Society, to Worcester today. As a Worcestershire MP Nigel knows that in culture and heritage our city has an incredible amount to offer.
"Worcester Theatres have an exciting time ahead with work on the Scala Theatre well underway. I look forward to inviting Nigel back to Worcester when the work there is complete."
Worcester Theatres CEO said:
"As an organisation we are focusing time and resources ensuring our venues are providing a broad and diverse range of programming which is reflective of the city of Worcester and our wider county, we are continually developing exciting and broad outreach opportunities for the young people of our city, members of our LGBTQ+ community and Emerging artists with whom we work with to retain talent for our city.
"We continue to support Worcester City Council in the redevelopment of the Scala/Cornmarket development to secure the arts and cultural future for the organisation."
