Copeland and Barrow have been named among 54 places in England allowed to bid for a share of £75 million for the arts.
They will be places prioritised for funding for new and established arts and culture organisations.
As part of the Government’s White Paper, it committed to identifying places outside of London to be the focus for additional Arts Council England engagement and investment.
However, Arts Council England added: “There’s no guarantee however that every place on the list will receive additional investment, as this will be subject to our receiving strong applications for funding and having sufficient budget available to support those applications.”
Trudy Harrison, Copeland MP, said: “It is fantastic news that Copeland will be one of the areas prioritised for funding and support from the significant cultural and levelling up investment announced by the Government today.
“Copeland has a wealth of excellent arts and cultural venues, run by talented staff and dedicated volunteers, and this extra support will only enhance our offer even further.”
Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, added: “For far too long cultural investment has been unfairly distributed, despite the wealth of talent spread across the country.
“The Government’s funding boost for cultural organisations in areas like Barrow-in-Furness is incredibly welcome, and for us to be one of 100 priority places is a huge opportunity for us. I urge cultural organisations across Barrow to bid for funds.
“This Government is delivering on its commitment to level up culture across the nation – ensuring that opportunity is spread to everyone, in every part of the country.”
A total of 109 Levelling Up for Culture Places have been identified by the Government to receive funding and support, of which 54 have been categorised as Priority Places, including Copeland and Barrow.
Nadine Dorries, Culture Secretary, said: “I have said from day one in this role my priority is to increase access to arts and culture across the whole country.
“Today marks a big step in achieving this aim as we shift new cultural investment into places previously at the back of the queue.
“Culture enriches people’s lives. It entertains us, brings us together and can be a catalyst for regeneration. Everyone should have access to it no matter where they live or what their background.”
