Lytham’s Lowther Pavilion has been awarded £129,860 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.
Fylde MP Mark Menzies has welcomed the funding, announced by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.
Lowther is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently-needed support. Some £257 million of investment has been announced 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.
Mr Menzies said: “Before this pandemic struck, Lowther was getting better and better. Better shows, better attendances and that is down to the staff and volunteers who have work so hard to make our only theatre a real success story.
“I’m pleased to see the Government recognising the need for support for Lowther – we must do all we can to protect the arts and this funding will be most welcome.”
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.”
Arts Council England chairman, Sir Nicholas Serota, added: “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.”