Derbyshire Dales has been awarded £501,702 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.
Wirksworth Heritage Centre has received £161,702 as part of the 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.
Sarah Dines MP said:
“This funding is a lifeline for some of our important cultural organisations and venues in Derbyshire Dales. During this pandemic so many of us have turned to the arts and culture to get us through this difficult period. It is absolutely right that cultural organisations are supported. They offer enjoyment, escapism and learning and I am delighted that the Government are supporting these institutions in my constituency. Recently I visited Wirksworth Heritage Centre for the second time and had a brilliant tour from Sally and Rodger. The centre is a wonderful example of fun learning. It is such a valuable resource for locals and visitors alike. The Centre is well run and immaculately presented and worth a visit for those who have never enjoyed this hidden gem. The Centre reminds us of our industrial and social history and has great links with local schools, community groups and offers fantastic events facilities (pandemic permitting) to music and literary events in addition to offering a great coffee and cheese scone as well. It was interesting to learn about the industries through the ages and to discover that Wirksworth was a major manufacturer of pink legal tape. For many years as a barrister, this tape made a daily appearance in my life.’’
General Manager Roger Shelley said:
‘It’s very good news that the government is recognising the importance of supporting cultural and arts businesses at this time – the grant will pay for many of our basic running costs that don’t go away. It allows us to fine-tune our marketing, to work with business consultants to help re-focus our trading model, purchase much needed IT equipment and improve our courtyard facilities. We are delivering services digitally, but the grant means that we can reach out to people in more isolated rural communities in the Dales and see how we can experiment with transport into Wirksworth for those people without access to cars. There’s also a special exhibition telling the story of Wirksworth’s remarkable Titanic survivor, Lawrence Beesley. The Heritage Centre, which includes Webster’s Café, is currently open Friday – Tuesday 10am to 4pm (with last entry at 3.30pm), with timed visits to ensure visitor safety and comfort. Wirksworth Heritage centre always had a good working relationship with Sarah’s predecessor Lord McLoughlin and we look forward to working closely with Sarah Dines as our local Member of Parliament in the future.’
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.”
