£39 million to North West organisations from Culture Recovery Fund

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced details of 2,700 organisations being offered nearly £400 million in grants and loans to help the culture sector reopen and recover, on top of the £1 billion that has already been allocated in the first round.

Over £39 million has been awarded to organisations in the North West in this latest round of funding, building on £98 million already awarded from the Culture Recovery Fund to organisations in the region.

The Lowry Centre Trust, the world class Salford-based arts centre, will receive £7.3 million, helping the organisation to continue its community outreach programming and ensure that the LS Lowry collection is appropriately cared for.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre has received a grant of £56,600 from the second round, which will support future productions, both online and on stage, investment in the theatre’s team and opportunities for freelance artists.

“Culture creates jobs, supports livelihoods and brings joy to everyone; it is paramount in supporting our mental and emotional health,” said Chris Lawson, artistic director of Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

“The Coliseum is at the heart of Oldham’s community and is a key aspect of Greater Manchester’s cultural offering.

“This continued investment will help us to ensure that our theatre recovers from this extended closure and is here to support Oldham and Greater Manchester for generations to come”

Ten cinemas across the region also receive £358,857, building on £2,531,726 already awarded from the Culture Recovery Fund to independent cinemas in the region.

The Cinemac in Macclesfield, which has been making improvements during closure in preparation for reopening has been awarded £45,997, while The Regent Cinema in Marple gets £19,155.

Museums across the country have also benefited from more than £25 million in this latest round of funding.

This includes the National Football Museum in Manchester, set to receive £239,721, which holds the largest public collection of football objects in the world.

This funding will be used to support the museum reopening to the public as they get ready to host the Manchester International Festival and celebrate the Euros within their exhibitions.

Other Manchester organisations to benefit from the second round of funding include The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club (£175,000), Halle Concerts Society (£658,000), Manchester City Galleries (£302,832), Manchester Pride (£553,642), Matt & Pheds (£62,500), Night and Day Cafe (£63,823), The Royal Northern College of Music (£133,033), The Whitworth (£328,155) and Z-arts (£69,231) amongst others.

Nationwide, over 2,700 organisations are being offered nearly £400 million in grants and loans to help the culture and heritage sector reopen and recover.

The funding was reserved in the first round of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

More than 70% of funding is going outside of London.

“Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced,” said Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.

“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”