Warwick District Council's Arts Team has today (April 2) announced that it has been successful in an application for the second round of Arts Council England's (ACE) Culture Recovery Fund Grants.

The award of £86,985, in addition to the £170,000 in the first round, will ensure the future viability of the Art Section's cultural offer, which includes exhibitions, events and workshops at Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum and a programme of live performance and film at the Royal Spa Centre.

David Guilding, Arts Manager at Warwick District Council said: "This is great news and a testament to all the hard work achieved by the team during this most challenging year. It is also a reassuring 'seal of approval' from ACE, who clearly understand what we are trying to do and why our services are so important to our local community.

"These funds will help us to put Covid measures in place at the Spa Centre ready for re-opening, adjust the existing ones in the Town Hall and Royal Pump Rooms, as well as fund some activity before we are able to generate income again. Thanks to the government's Culture Recovery Fund we can continue to be here for culture."

Rose Winship, Head Cultural Services at Warwick District Council added: "We are delighted with the news that the Arts Section has been awarded this fund and thrilled to hear that Motionhouse and Playbox Theatre have also been awarded grants as they are important arts organisations based in Warwick District."

Culture Recovery Fund Grants from ACE will help organisations in Warwick district to look ahead to the spring and summer enabling them to plan for reopening and recovery.

After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save lives, this funding will be a much-needed helping hand for organisations transitioning back to normal in the months ahead. 

Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic across the country.