MP welcomes Culture Recovery Fund booster

GOSPORT MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed local funding as part of the Culture Recovery Fund awards.

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.

It brings the total cash support package made available for culture during the pandemic to almost £2 billion.

In her previous role as Minister of State for Digital and Culture, the MP helped secure the £2 billion fund to support vital cultural and artistic venues and institutions through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hampshire is set to receive a total of £2,377,490.00 as part of this funding, with the Hampshire Cultural Trust – which runs museums and venues across the county including Gosport Gallery – receiving £595,000.  The Portsmouth Guildhall, Wedgewood Rooms, Kings Theatre and Mary Rose Museum are all popular local beneficiaries.

And Ms Dinenage said: “The pandemic has been tough for the cultural sector, and I am delighted that this latest round of funding will benefit so many fantastic organisations in Hampshire, meaning they are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

 “As a former Minister for Culture, I helped secure this funding and I am thrilled to see this scheme benefiting much loved venues in our local area.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from.

 “Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”

PICTURED: Birds eye view of inside Gosport Gallery