The Angles Theatre in Wisbech receives lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund
Wisbech's historic Angles Theatre is among the first in the country to receive cash support from the Government to help it face the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The theatre in Alexandra Road has been awarded £128,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) announced today (Monday).
The Angles was named as one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support from the fund.
An investment of £257 million was announced as part of the 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.
The funding received today (Monday) has secured the theatre’s future in these uncertain times and will allow them to reopen in 2021. The Angles Theatre is home to the award-winning amateur theatre companies RATz and The Wisbech Theatre Players, The Katy Lilley School of Dance, The Wisbech School of Performing Arts – Ratzcool and Bedazzle Inclusive Arts Wisbech. The theatre welcomes thousands of people every year to performances, classes, events and workshops.
Angles Theatre trustee, Rob Williams said: "It is amazing to receive this grant from the Cultural Recovery Fund and to be recognised by the DCMS and The Arts Council. Like all arts organisations, we have had a turbulent six months in ensuring the survival of one of the oldest original working theatres in the UK, and with today’s announcement, we can start planning for the future. We cannot wait to be able to get the doors open and live theatre back to Wisbech"
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.”
Chairman of 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.”