Four culture organisations in the Harrogate district have been awarded further funding as part of the government’s culture recovery fund.
Arts Council England granted the funding as part of a further £300 million worth of financial support for culture and art organisations.
The government announced a £1.57 billion fund last year which aimed to support cultural and heritage sectors from the economic impact of covid.
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- Ripon cultural organisations receive £170,000 lifeline
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- Harrogate Theatre awarded £250,000 survival boost
Among those to be awarded a grant is Cause UK, which has secured £35,000 in funding.
The agency hosted Ken Loach and Brian Blessed in Harrogate on behalf of the Harrogate Film Festival, as well as family events at the Royal Hall with Steve Backshall and Chris Packham
Clair Challenor-Chadwick, managing director of Cause UK, said:
“As a vibrant agency for 10 years, Cause UK had strong growth pre-covid, thanks to our growing cultural portfolio. Obviously, that was all put on hold with covid.
“A significant part of our work is also as a support agency to arts, public sector and charities. We’ve supported organisations as diverse as Besbrode Pianos, Ilkley Literature Festival, The Barnsley Civic, Harrogate Convention Centre, the Wesley Centre in Malton and the Himalayan Sculpture Park.
“We’re proud our work has had significant impact, helping clients to win awards, increase visitor and audience reach, engage sponsors, and attract investment.”
Harrogate Theatre with stands empty in the town centre.
Meanwhile, Harrogate International Festivals has been awarded £80,000 and Harrogate Theatre secured £91,078.
Ripon Museum Trust has also been granted £69,350.
The chief executive of Harrogate Theatre Trust, David Bown, gave his reaction to the grant:
“We are thrilled to receive this funding from the Cultural Recovery Fund. It will allow us to move forward with increasing confidence as we launch our Raise the Roof season by bringing drama, comedy and music to community venues throughout the district in what will be challenging times as restrictions are relaxed.”
The cultural recovery fund is targeted at organisations which work in music, theatre, dance, combined arts, visual arts, museums or literature.
The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute
Oliver Dowden, culture secretary, said:
“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.
“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.”
