Millions given to struggling arts sector in Nottinghamshire to safeguard organisations impacted by Covid-19

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England announced that 1,385 theatres, arts venues, museums and cultural organisations across England will benefit from a Covid-19 recovery package.

The fund aims to help maintain England’s rich cultural history by supporting culturally significant organisations which were financially sustainable before Covid-19.

Nottinghamshire received £5,956,327, which will be split between 28 theatres, galleries, performance groups, arts organisations, museums and local venues facing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, to ensure they have a sustainable future and can continue to serve local communities and international audiences.

Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted the Culture Recovery Fund has enabled support for a wide range of arts and cultural sector companies across Nottinghamshire.

“The government’s package is hugely welcome, providing much of the sector with resources to remain in business through to the Spring. Well-loved community projects, theatres, galleries, museums, clubs, music venues, festivals, key cultural suppliers along with other creative spaces and projects have benefited.

"This is welcome news not only for those in receipt of the funding but also for communities in villages, towns and cities across the Midlands where this matters so much.

“We know that creativity, arts and culture benefit us in so many ways, having a positive impact on our wellbeing, bringing us together and making a significant contribution to the local and national economy – today’s announcements gives us a chance to continue that and contribute to the national recovery, post-Covid.”

Who has received the funding?

Mansfield District Council was awarded £123,982 to continue its cultural offering in Mansfield and the surrounding areas.

The funding will be used to safeguard the future of the Palace Theatre and the Mansfield museum after they were forced to close back in March as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sian Booth cultural services manager, said: “This grant will help the theatre and museum recover safely and come back stronger than before.

"Since March we’ve continued to bring culture, heritage and creativity to local people in the face of challenging circumstances.

“We’re not out of the woods yet, but this funding represents the start of a slow, safe, phased reawakening of our theatre and museum.

"Our plan includes reviewing our systems and operations, becoming digital-ready and delivering activities with our communities so that the creative lives of local people can thrive in our uncertain landscape.”

Glitter Pantomimes has received a total of £96,228 as part of the Covid-19 recovery investment.

They specialise in the creation of pantomime sets, costumes, props, music and scripts as well as special effects.

Mark Walters, costume designer at Glitter Pantomimes said on Twitter: “Absolutely delighted to announce and sincerely grateful that Glitter Pantomimes have been awarded funding thanks to @ace_national and the governments #hereforculture fund. Thank you to @DCMS @hmtreasury.

“We here at Glitter Pantomimes will do our upmost to support the self-employed in our industry. We have been given a lifeline from @ace_national @DCMS and will now more than ever continue to provide as much work and support as we possibly can during this time.”

D.W. Lawrence Birthplace museum was awarded £51,483 to help with its Covid response plan.