Grimsby Auditorium has been awarded £233,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the Culture Secretary has announced today.
Grimsby Auditorium is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today 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.
Claire Williams, Grimsby Auditorium’s general manager, said:
“We are thrilled and incredibly thankful for the lifeline that this funding has given us.
“Grimsby’s largest live performance venue celebrated its 25th anniversary this year whilst its doors were closed due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. We remained upbeat, but at that time we knew that the venue would not survive another year without some significant support.
“Not only does the Grimsby Auditorium provide a stage for artists, musicians and actors, the wider creative industries that rely on venues such as ours, is far reaching. This funding also means that we will be able to continue to support our local workforce, along with ensuring that this much-loved venue stays a firm fixture in providing a stage for our local rising stars.
“Time is needed to work through what the coming months will look like in terms of what performances we can safely bring to audiences. This also very much depends on the local, regional, and national position and continued impact of the coronavirus.
“Ultimately the funding means that we will survive the autumn and winter months and still be here next year when, hopefully, we will be able to bring audiences an exciting artistic programme. We do however remain optimistic and are busy planning for the return of Grimsby’s much-loved pantomime, (following current Government guidance on safe, socially distanced performances) – oh yes we are!”
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.”
