LIBRARIES in Warwickshire have secured a major cash windfall.
Warwickshire County Council’s library service will receive up to £630,000 over the ext three years
following a successful bid to become a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) in Arts Council England’s funding plans for 2023-26.
Warwickshire Libraries will work closely with Arts Council England to promote libraries as places for people to access art and culture within their local communities, create new opportunities for people to enjoy and participate in culture and seek opportunities to work with creative individuals and organisations to explore, develop and deliver new work.
WCC customer spokesman Coun Andy Jenns said: “Warwickshire Libraries’ ambitions following this announcement are to grow and develop a high-quality cultural offering that will deliver for the people of Warwickshire.
“This new source of funding will provide a solid base on which to grow and diversify our library audiences, and help make Warwickshire the best it can be, now and for future generations.”
Peter Knott, area director for Arts Council England congratulated Warwickshire Libraries on its success.
He added: “Libraries are trusted, creative spaces at the heart of their communities, free to enter and open to everyone – and we’re delighted to be welcoming Warwickshire Libraries to the portfolio for the next three years.
“I look forward to seeing even more people visiting their local libraries across Warwickshire reading and enjoying creativity together.”
Other Warwickshire organisations successful in receiving NPO funding for 2023-26 include British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, Compton Verney House Charity, Live & Local, Motionhouse, Nine Arches Press, Royal Shakespeare Company, and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
