The government’s third and final Culture Recovery Fund allocation will distribute £35 million across more than 300 arts organisations across England.
The aid package will help companies and institutions to stay afloat in the period immediately beyond the pandemic of the past two years.
Among the larger recipients are Leeds Playhouse’s parent, the Leeds Theatre Trust, which will get just over £500,000; and Blackpool Grand, which receives almost £470,000, though these are two of relatively few awards in the north.
The huge swathe of the country from Liverpool to the east coast was altogether awarded £6,009,043 (North East £1,457,121, North West £2,398,750, Yorkshire & Humber £2,153,172). By contrast London alone received £11.25 million.
Aria Entertainment, the London-based producer strongly linked to Manchester’s Hope Mill musicals powerhouse, received almost £50,000.
Since August 2020, the CRF has distributed £1.57 billion to help arts organisations survive the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The latest round of grants is intended to support arts institutions as they fight their way back to a more regular income.
Arts Council England chair Sir Nicholas Serota said: “The £35 million is helping to support the sector as it continues to welcome back visitors, reinvigorate communities, champion local talent and ensure every one of us has access to a remarkable range of high-quality cultural experiences, wherever we are in the country.”