A Barrow venue will be transformed into a creative hub, thanks to almost £500,000 from Arts Council England.
Signal Film and Media have been awarded £490,000 to transform Cooke’s Studios in Barrow-in-Furness into an accessible, public centre for culture and creative
participation.
The two Grade II listed, Victorian buildings which make up Cooke’s Studios will benefit from improved accessibility including a new entrance and welcome area.
There will also be a museum-standard gallery space, cafe and creative practitioner studios.
The attic space will be transformed into a flexible workspace for artists and the basement will be investigated as a potential lo-fi performance venue.
Signal Film and Media co-director, Kerry Kolbe said: “We’re so delighted to secure this funding for Barrow. Over 700 organisations from all over England applied and we are one of just 66 places to have been awarded a grant.
“It’s great that Arts Council England has seen the potential in Barrow and invested in the town.”
Co-director, Loren Slater added: “We want to make a space that everyone is proud of and can enjoy.
“Cooke’s Studios is home to all sorts of creative activities; dance, music, animation, film, photography, radio, theatre and poetry. All of those things will become much more accessible to everyone once the buildings are opened up with a new welcome area, gallery, performance spaces and cafe.”
Signal Film and Media hope to start the refurbishment in summer 2023 and open by summer 2024.
