Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre has benefitted from £250k cash boost thanks to the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, theatres and museums have suffered from a severe cut in visitors, putting many at risk of closure.
To assist, 1,385 theatres, museums, performance groups and arts organisations across England will receive a share of £257million from the government.
Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre was one lucky recipient, being awarded £250k to assist its post-COVID recovery work.
The cash injection is part of the wider £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund to get the sector back on its feet after coronavirus.
The funding will be used to help performances to restart, allow venues plan for reopening, protect jobs and create new opportunities for freelancers.
The awards are being made by Arts Council England and come on top of £103million of emergency funding distributed from the Culture Recovery Fund for heritage venues and £3.5million of emergency funding for music venues.
This current round of awards covers grants of up to £1million, meaning there is a particular focus on smaller organisations that play a central role in their local communities and will help to launch the stars of tomorrow.
The Prime Minister has committed to supporting the arts and culture sectors through coronavirus and, in addition to this latest funding, the government has already provided unprecedented financial assistance, including loans, business rate holidays and participation in the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “I am pleased the Government appreciates the importance of the arts sector and has pledged to support them as they recover from the challenges presented by COVID. The money pledged this week will greatly support the Wyvern, so that it can continue to be an important cultural asset to Swindon.”
