THE FUTURE for arts venues in Leamington looks hopeful after a much-needed financial boost from the government.
The sum of £170,000 from the government’s £1.57billion ‘Culture Recovery Fund’ will ensure the Royal Spa Centre and Leamington Art Gallery and Museum will either fully or partially reopen by the end of March.
The funding comes after the arts section at Warwick District Council (WDC) made an application to Arts Council England.
WDC spokeswoman for culture Coun Moira-Ann Grainger said: “We are delighted that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Treasury, and Arts Council England have recognised the importance and value of the Royal Spa Centre and Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum in providing a rich and diverse programme of theatre, dance, music and visual arts to people who live, work and visit Warwick district. We are grateful for the £170,000 grant, which will ensure the survival of our much loved cultural assets during this unusual and challenging time.”
Other venues and organisations across Warwickshire have also received the much-needed lifeline including Warwick Arts Centre and Compton Verney in neighbouring Stratford district.
Arts Council England chair 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.”
