Hundreds of arts, heritage and cultural organisations across England will receive a share of £107 million from the additional £300 million announced by the Chancellor at March’s budget for the Culture Recovery Fund, including 62 cinemas that will received £6 million via the BFI.
The Culture Recovery Fund has already got £1.2 billion out the door to around 5,000 organisations and sites across the country and this latest round of funding is giving a lifeline to regional theatres, local museums, independent cinemas and many more throughout the winter.
Funding is also keeping projectors rolling in local cinemas this winter with 62 cinemas awarded over £6 million administered by the British Film Institute.
Almost £85,000 will help The Alhambra, Keswick to introduce a new air filtration system and set up a new film club for local sixth-formers allowing them to curate their own film programme, learn how to operate the projector, and run the kiosk for two screenings per week.
Over £102,000 is supporting the Forum Cinema in Hexham to continue its commitment to making the cinema as accessible as possible for all audiences, for example by increasing the number of open captioned / subtitled films for D/deaf audiences.
Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI said: “Traditionally, this time of year brings a wealth of culture to the big screen for people up and down the country as local cinemas offer seasonal classics, and new British films and blockbusters. The Culture Recovery Fund has been vital to the survival and recovery of independent cinemas, enabling them to contribute to their high streets and communities, and crucially be there to welcome back their audiences.”
Click here for a full list of awards
