Creative Folkestone Quarterhouse has been awarded £237,539 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.
Creative Folkestone 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.
Opened in 2009, Creative Folkestone Quarterhouse is a performing arts centre of Folkestone’s cultural heart. In March the venue closed its doors to help protect their audiences and reduce the spread of Covid-19/Coronavirus. Though this funding does not replace lost income from live performances and events, it helps to support Creative Folkestone as they plan for the future.
Oliver Dowden MP, Culture Secretary, 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.”
Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, 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.”
Alastair Upton, Chief Executive, Creative Folkestone, said: "Today’s announcement is without doubt a lifeline to us and many other cultural organisations. We are extremely grateful to the Chancellor and HM Treasury, the Culture Secretary and DCMS, Arts Council England and everyone that is working hard to protect the arts. Quarterhouse an important part of the community here in Folkestone. We closed our doors to protect our audiences and to reduce the spread of the virus losing a vital space for creativity and community. This funding now helps us to work towards reopening those doors and welcome our community back with open arms. In the meantime, we can continue to provide a space for creativity to happen and bring people together outdoors and online."
We are committed to supporting the recovery and ongoing development of Folkestone. The funding received from the Government will allow us to continue to support artists, provide opportunities for performing arts and provide long term hope for the future.
For more information about the Culture Recovery Fund click here