Yorkshire organisations dip into £60m Cultural Investment Fund

Bradford, UK City of Culture 2025 is among more than 70 cultural organisations across the UK to be given a financial boost by the Government to improve access to arts and support economic growth through culture.

It will receive £4.9m to redevelop the intercultural arts centre, Kala Sangam, and other cultural assets, to establish a network of local arts hubs and support the successful delivery of its year as the culture capital and beyond.

Other beneficiaries of the Cultural Investment Fund, revealed today by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, include museums, cultural venues and public libraries across England.

They will share a pot of £58.8m which will see arts venues transformed, upgraded and created as part of the Government’s plans to make sure everyone can access the UK’s culture.

Arts Council England will deliver this fund on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Successful bidders today include Cannon Hall in Barnsley, which will receive almost £900,000 to protect its Grade II* listed Georgian country house and collection of fine and decorative art and Barnsley Libraries, which will receive £50,000.

There will also be £497,474 awarded to Harewood House, near Leeds, and £166,250 for Shandy Hall in Coxwold, North Yorkshire.

Frazer said: “This investment will help to level up access to arts and culture for everyone, no matter where they live.

“Culture helps us create lifelong memories with our families and friends, provides entertainment and joy, and allows us to explore the world around us in new and exciting ways. It can also boost tourism, support local business and drive local economic growth.

This funding will support brilliant arts organisations to upgrade their venues and create new projects that will be at the heart of their communities.”

Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, said: “Investment in creativity and culture is a catalyst for improving well-being and raising aspirations, reinvigorating pride in communities, regenerating high streets and local economies, and bringing people together.

“We are pleased to play a part in delivering the Cultural Investment Fund and this £58m investment will help create new, or improve existing, cultural buildings and spaces in our villages, towns and cities.

“By doing so it will support recovery and growth and unlock the creative potential of those who live and work in communities across England.”

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, added: “Culture, heritage and the arts all contribute to people’s sense of belonging and place. These grants will help to reinforce this and we welcome them.”

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