Vision RCL has been awarded £547,565 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, the Culture Secretary has announced today.
Vision is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today 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.
Vision operates and manages a range of leisure and cultural facilities in the London Borough of Redbridge. This funding will directly support the work and viability of Redbridge Drama Centre, the Kenneth More Theatre, Redbridge Music Service and Vision’s cultural events programme.
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.”
Chair, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said:
“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.”
Head of Culture & Libraries, Vision RCL, Gareth Morley said:
“This successful bid to the Culture Recovery Fund is a lifeline for our much loved and valued venues and services. The funding will also support the fantastic array of committed freelance artists, musicians, actors and creatives we work with. We are exceptionally grateful for this support that helps to ensure the viability of our work in these unprecedented times.”