A ‘LIFELINE’ grant of nearly £1million has been given to Compton Verney.
The art gallery and park says its income reduced by 95 per cent since March and while it has gradually reopened its ground and galleries its income has been ‘devastated’ by the pandemic.
Its funding through events, hire, corporate sponsorship, weddings, retail and catering has been impacted.
But government’s Culture Recovery Fund grant of £1million – part of a £1.5billion pot – will be used for a project called Repowering Compton Verney.
It will focus on establishing new ways to attract students, children and young people, families and those with access needs.
The project will also support the implementation of a new catering offer, support to the winter programme across the site and full winter opening to provide access to collections and the grounds through to next March.
Compton Verney director Julie Finch said: “We want culture to continue to play its part in the covid recovery phase and well beyond. This funding is a lifeline for Compton Verney, we will continue our hard work to support society through learning, wellbeing and cultural engagement as we navigate our way through this extremely challenging time. We are grateful to our visitors, communities, our partners and suppliers who have remained loyal.”
Compton Verney is one of more than 1,300 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving support.
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.”
