Published: Monday, 19th October 2020
Published on behalf of Alive West Norfolk:
Alive Corn Exchange has been awarded £247,690 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.
Alive Corn Exchange 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.
Due to current restrictions in place to protect both staff and customers, Alive Corn Exchange along with the rest of small-mid scale theatres are unable to operate in the usual way. The theatre closed its door in March and since opening again in September it is a much reduced capacity.
This funding is a lifeline and allows the venue to stay open and continue to play an integral role in providing local cultural opportunities in a covid secure environment. Alive Corn Exchange will be announcing a number of events over the coming few days, visit kingslynncornexchange.co.uk for more details.
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."
Cllr Brian Long, Chair of Alive West Norfolk and Leader of the borough council, said:
"I’m delighted to hear about this funding. It supports an important venue in the town. The doors to the building were closed for many months and only reopened in September."
"This grant should help Alive Corn Exchange through the pandemic and I look forward to it continuing to be a cultural asset to King’s Lynn for many years to come."