Peterborough’s New Theatre is celebrating news that it’s to receive grant funding from the government and says it’s a lifeline they desperately needed.
The money is coming from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund and various organisations have had the good news today including The Cresset theatre and other local groups including Peterborough Sings! a music education charity which supports several local choirs.
Selladoor which runs the New Theatre has confirmed they will receive a grant award as one of 1300 organisations to be supported financially as part of the Cultural Support Package.
Richie Ross (pictured centre) – Theatre Director at the New Theatre Peterborough said – “Today’s news could not be more welcome. Without this grant the future was looking unsettled for us at the New Theatre but this funding will allow us to keep our doors open, keep our team in work and to continue to support arts and culture in the city.
“In the first 6 months of our opening the New Theatre went from strength to strength, and on the back of this news our team will be working together to continue to build on this momentum following a difficult year with bigger and better shows and experiences for the people of Peterborough in 2021 and securing the future of the New Theatre in the community.”
David Hutchinson CEO of Selladoor (pictured left above) says – “We are delighted and very grateful to receive support from the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund. The last 7 months have been nothing short of devastating, both for our company and our industry as a whole.
“We have lost eight productions, as well as many of our team members, as we have tried to sustain a business with zero income. This financial lifeline allows us time to reimagine and restructure the business, so that we can be ready and able to help bring our sector back to life post Covid-19.
“There is a long way to go, but this grant gives our company a fighting chance of recovery. In turn, we fully intend to do everything that we can to support our venue partners, fellow organisations and all of fantastic professionals who work in our industry, so that can all move forward in our joint journey towards getting the arts back in business.”
Lead image: Andy Vernum
Photos: Tony Mayer
Comments