The De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill has been awarded £657,713 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the Culture Secretary has announced today.
The De La Warr Pavilion is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.
Stewart Drew, Chief Executive, De La Warr Pavilion said:
“Thank you to Arts Council England and DCMS. The grant from the Culture Recovery Fund will ensure that over the next six months we can remain open (government guidelines permitting!) and rebuild the Pavilion after the impact of such a catastrophic event. This award recognises the significant role DLWP plays in the UK’s culture and heritage, and the contribution it makes to its local community.”
Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill said:
“I am delighted that the De La Warr Pavilion has received this £657,713 grant from the government’s Culture Recovery Fund. The Pavilion is a key arts and culture venue in my constituency of Bexhill and Battle as well as an iconic modernist building. They are also a key local employer and community venue whom I work closely with.
“This grant is absolutely essential to help them through these incredibly difficult times. It’s also well-deserved because they are one of the few arts and theatre venues in the area continuing to hold live performances and event. Whilst others on the coast have remained closed, the De La Warr have put on events to help freelancers and artists to showcase their talent and earn income. As ever, under CEO Stewart Drew’s dynamic and creative leadership, his excellent team has innovated and adapted to make sure that arts and culture can open safely for all to enjoy.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:
“This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.
“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”
Chair, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said:
“Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”
