Leamington's Royal Spa Centre and art gallery and museum to reopen thanks to Government fund

The Royal Spa Centre and Leamington Spa art gallery and museum will be able to reopen thanks to a Government fund

Warwick District Council has announce that its arts section has made a successful application to Arts Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund.

The £170k award has been given, as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

The funding will ensure that by 31 March 2021, the Royal Spa Centre and Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum will either fully or partially reopen.

Cllr Moira-Ann Grainger, Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for culture said: “We are delighted that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the

Treasury, and Arts Council England have recognised the importance and value of the Royal Spa Centre and Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum in providing a rich and diverse programme of theatre, dance, music and visual arts to people who live, work and visit Warwick District.

"We are grateful for the £170,000 grant, which will ensure the survival of our much loved cultural assets during this unusual and challenging time.”

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.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of 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.”