Culture Warrington to receive Culture Recovery Fund lifeline

The arts charity will receive a grant of £78,302 to help it recover and reopen after months of closures and cancellations.

Culture Warrington runs the historic concert venue Parr Hall, which has now been closed for more than a year.

It also operates the Pyramid centre, Warrington Museum and Art Gallery and Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival.

More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country in the latest round of support, the Culture Secretary has today announced.

Leah Biddle, cultural manager for Culture Warrington, said: “We are delighted once again to receive financial support from Arts Council England through its Culture Recovery Fund.

“This grant will offer significant support to our charity as we navigate the government's road map to recovery, and as we relaunch the cultural programme within the town.

“This past year has been incredibly challenging for our organisation, venues, and staff – as well as the wider arts sector – but we can't wait to return and we have a jam-packed programme of workshops, shows, events, and more for our audiences to look forward to in the coming months.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added: “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."

The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed.

The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.