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The funding is expected to support local projects starting this summer, creating new jobs and supporting economic growth.
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It builds on 20 existing projects nationally and internationally that have benefited from £76.8m of funding since 2019.
Cultural venues large and small are set to benefit from a £15 million grant as part of the Government’s Cultural Development Fund, which continues to improve access to the arts across the country.
Successful bidders will share in a £15.2 million pot as part of the fourth round of the popular scheme. This funding will support economic growth by supporting the creation of local employment opportunities and new training locations, as well as supporting local cultural institutions looking to attract tourists and new business.
Since 2019, 20 projects have received a total of £76.8m of funding, with beneficiaries including arts centres, community venues and historic buildings. Previous funding rounds have already made a huge difference, with the likes of Barnsley, Worcester, Plymouth, Stockport and the Isle of Wight receiving game-changing investment.
This year’s round will also see London projects eligible to apply to the fund for the first time since 2019, expanding the range of locations that can benefit from Cultural Development Fund investment.
Lord Parkinson, Whitley Bay Arts and Heritage Minister, said:
I am delighted to see that the Government’s investment through the Cultural Development Fund is already making a huge difference to people’s lives. Further funding announced today will expand our work to level up access to arts and culture, ensuring everyone has quality opportunities on their doorstep, no matter where they live. .
I challenge applicants to submit ambitious proposals that will make a real difference to the lives of even more people across the country and help maintain Britain’s place on the world stage as a cultural and creative powerhouse. We encourage you to do so.
Previous projects include:
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Plymouth City Council has received £3.8m from the first round of the Cultural Development Fund. As a result of this project, Devonport’s Market Hall will become a destination for businesses, schools and many others who wish to access the facility and enjoy the immersive experiences, events, workshops and kids’ clubs on offer. It became the ground.
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The University of Kent has been awarded £4.8 million in the first round to redevelop buildings in Medway, Purfleet and Thurrock for creative use by the community.
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Round two will see Barnsley Art Gallery receive £3.9m to transform Elsecar Heritage Center into a hub for cultural and creative industries by supporting additional community activities and culturally focused public realm activities. Pounds of funding was given.
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Middlesbrough Council Cultural Services has won £4.3 million in the second round to help deliver a package of construction projects, turn Center Square into a hub for creativity and improve digital skills. Thanks to the funding, event space and galleries will also be added to the Carnegie Library and Middlesbrough Museum of Modern Art.
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The £2.7 million awarded to Morecambe Winter Gardens in Round 3 will support local and national promoters and artists across North Lancashire and Cumbria, regenerating the Grade II listed site and creating a home for up to 2,500 people. Create a venue that can accommodate you.
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Also in round three, North Devon Council will refurbish two Grade II listed buildings in Barnstaple, creating Bridge Chambers an accessible learning and performance venue and co-working space for the creative industries and visual arts. , secured £3 million to create office and studio space. , community and environmental groups.
The Cultural Development Fund was established in 2019 with the aim of uplifting the country through investment in the cultural and creative industries. By unlocking regional growth and productivity, the Fund increases access to the arts and revitalizes communities through investments in cultural initiatives.
Arts Council England provides this funding on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Guidance has been published today to provide further information for those considering applying.
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, said:
The Cultural Development Fund brings the transformative power of creativity and culture to more people in more places across the country. By investing in the infrastructure that cultural organizations need, they can have a greater impact on the places they are based and benefit the communities they work with. We are delighted to continue delivering this program on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, building on the success of previous programs.
The Cultural Development Fund also builds on further support for the cultural sector through the other two arms of the Cultural Investment Fund. The Library Improvement Fund and the Museum Property Development Fund also provided him with over £50 million in two rounds.