A total of £250,000 has been pledged to cultural organisations in Westmorland and Furness.
The council’s new Culture Recovery Support Fund is a one-off scheme to help culture in the area thrive.
The organisations are designated Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations – key organisations delivering major programmes and events.
Part of Westmorland and Furness Council’s Priority Investment Scheme for 2023/24, 10 organisations have been offered £22,500 each and one £25,000.
Organisations offered £22,500 each are:
- Art Gene
- Full of Noises
- Grizedale Arts
- Highlights Productions
- Kendal Brewery Arts
- Lakeland Arts
- Lakes Arts Festivals
- Signal Film and Media
- Theatre Factory
- Wordsworth Trust
Eden Arts has been offered £25,000 specifically towards the costs of the Winter Droving Event in Penrith.
Virginia Taylor, cabinet member for sustainable communities and localities, said: “The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is still being felt in the arts and cultural sector.
“During lockdowns our arts organisations showed incredible ingenuity and generosity, recreating their offer for old and new audiences online and outdoors, often free of charge. They demonstrated their commitment to supporting the community’s health and wellbeing without direct reward.
“Now the cost of living crisis and energy price increases make it a continuing and difficult challenge for our arts organisations as they add to the vibrancy of our towns, to the visitor economy, to education and to the community.
“This fund goes some way towards helping, but I am conscious that this round of grants won’t help every brilliant arts organisation. I truly wish there were more money available for this fund – but there will be other opportunities and together we’ll make Westmorland and Furness an even happier, buzzier, and a more creative place.”
